Boro boss rubbishes Downing talk

Gareth Southgate has reiterated his commitment to seeing Stewart Downing stay at Middlesbrough, insisting Marvin Emnes has not been brought in to replace him.

Emnes was brought in from Sparta Rotterdam in a £3.2 million deal, sparking speculation over the immediate future of home-grown talent Downing.

Boro’s new Dutchman primarily plays down the left flank, but Southgate insists that does not signal Downing’s exit.

The England international has been linked with a £10 million move to Liverpool, but Southgate is adamant he will build his team around the Academy product.

"Stewart is very happy here and signed a long-term contract last season," Southgate stated in the Daily Star.

"We want to build a team that encourages him to stay longer."

That team will not be built from big-money signings though, after Southgate revealed there will be no captures to rival the record fee they spent on Afonso Alves midway through last season.

"It's not right for me to go out and spend money if we haven't got it,” he added.