Middlesbrough made it clear to Premier League rivals Tottenham on Monday that Stewart Downing would not be leaving during the January transfer window after rejecting the England winger’s transfer request.

“We received a written transfer request from Stewart this (Monday) morning,” said Boro chief executive Keith Lamb. “It was considered before being rejected.

“Prior to receiving the transfer request, we received an improved offer for Stewart from Tottenham.

“We immediately rejected this offer and informed Tottenham that Stewart Downing is not for sale and any further interest they have in the player will not be entertained.”

Downing handed in his transfer request after Boro chairman Steve Gibson insisted the 24-year-old was not about to quit the north-east club.