Middlesbrough Must Let Stewart Downing Go

Middlesbrough need to swallow their pride and allow Stewart Downing to move on.

The Boro winger, who is wanted by Harry Redknapp at Tottenham, has submitted a transfer request, which has been rejected by the club.

Redknapp has been searching for a wide player to play on the left to balance up his Spurs side, and England man Downing is top of his list.

However, Boro boss Gareth Southgate and chairman Steve Gibson seem unwilling to play ball and look destined to fight tooth and nail to keep the 24-year-old.

The club are eager to keep Downing, who has risen through the ranks with the club and who has over 200 appearances for Boro.

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb said: "We received a written transfer request from Stewart this morning. 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."

It's certainly the attitude the fans want to see on Teesside, but how long can you keep a player that wants to leave?

Usually not very long.

Manchester United are reported to have managed it in the summer when Real Madrid came knocking for Ronaldo, but the Riverside is a million miles away from the European champions at Old Trafford, and Boro simply have to start making plans for life without Downing.

Of course Boro might already be resigned to losing Downing, but are holding out to ramp up his £15million-plus asking price.

In that case then it is a shrewd move, but Redknapp won't wait around forever, and there is a danger that Boro could be left with a player who has no desire to play for the club any longer.

"Middlesbrough are a good club and if the chairman (Gibson) decides he doesn't want to sell him, that's his right to do that and that's the end of that one," said Redknapp.

The football odds are stacked with Downing making the move south in a bid to win some silverware, and Boro need to pat him on the back and thank him for his terrific service.