Southgate warns Spurs off Downing

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has spoken out over the manner of Tottenham’s interest in Stewart Downing and has held talks with the England winger to persuade him to stay at the Riverside Stadium.

Southgate does not want to sell the 24-year-old to Spurs, with manager Harry Redknapp prioritising a left-sided midfielder and striker during the transfer window.