Boro stand firm on Downing

Stewart Downing’s frustration looked set to continue last night as Middlesbrough refused to grant his wish of a move to Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham.

The England winger slapped in a transfer request yesterday morning following an increased offer from Spurs – thought to be around £12m – but his attempts to force his way out of the club met with an unambiguous response from chief executive Keith Lamb.