Boro happy with Downing link

Middlesbrough chairman Keith Lamb hopes that Stewart Downing continues to perform to a top level; and that bigger clubs show interest in the star.

"Will it be difficult to keep hold of Stewart Downing? I hope so," Lamb told BBC Tees. "If it becomes difficult to hold him that means he's playing well and being coveted by other clubs.

"I hope it will be difficult for us to be hold on to all our players.

"I don't think there was any real interest. We received what Gareth described as speculative calls. We had no intention of moving him. We're building a squad and Mido is an essential part of that squad."