Saturday 3rd January 2009
Southgate wants Downing to stay
Gareth Southgate has spoken out over the manner of Tottenham's interest of Stewart Downing and has spoken with the winger.
Southgate does not want to sell the 24-year-old to Spurs, with manager Harry Redknapp prioritising a left-sided midfielder and striker during the transfer window.
"Spurs have expressed an interest in Stewart but we're not interested in selling him," Southgate said. "We think we need to keep hold of our best players.
"If Tottenham are really interested then they have not shown that in the way they have approached it, so there's nothing doing there.
"We feel that keeping the squad we have together is the most important thing we can do."
After discussing the matter with the player, Southgate feels Downing wants to stay.
He added: "What I've said to Stewart is that I don't think now would be a good time for him to be seen to be leaving this football club and I think he's in agreement with that."
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