Boro: Downing staying put

Middlesbrough have ruled out the prospect of Stewart Downing leaving the club in the January transfer window, insisting the England winger is not for sale.

Everton have been linked with an £8m approach for the 23-year-old, but Boro are adamant they will not let the player go.

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb told the Evening Gazette: “Stewart is not for sale.

“There has been no bid and nor would we encourage one.”

Downing has been linked in the past with a move to Tottenham.