Premier League

Middlesbrough's Downing Downplays Transfer Rumours

Middlesbrough and England winger Stewart Downing has played down reports linking him with a January move to Tottenham Hotspur or Aston Villa...

Dec 6, 2008 2:12:24 PM

Barclays Premier League: Stewart Downing , Middlesbrough - Birmingham City(PA)

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Barclays Premier League: Stewart Downing , Middlesbrough - Birmingham City(PA)

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Stewart Downing

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing seems to be continually linked with a move away from the Riverside, possibly because of his natural ability to play wide left.

The 24-year-old, who has won 21 England caps since 2005, is being tipped for a January switch to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, but Downing insists he is happy at Boro.

"I signed a long term-deal earlier this year and my only aim at the minute is to try and get into Europe with Middlesbrough," said Downing.

"This is my hometown club, I started here and it's the only club I've played for apart from a spell on loan at Sunderland.

"There is always going to be speculation with players and you've just got to blank it out because if you concentrate on what the press is saying your form will dip and that doesn't help you or the team.

"This is an important time for us, my performances have been going well and I don't want my form to dip again.

"Over the last couple of seasons it's been like this and I didn't let it affect me, so I'm not going to let it affect me now.

"I just want to concentrate on playing well for Boro."

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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