Julio Arca says none of the Middlesbrough boys are trying to talk Stewart Downing into staying although they want him to.

The Argentine midfielder insists it is up to the England star whether he wants to quit The Riverside or not.

Downing asked for a transfer last week as Tottenham made a bid for his services, but Boro rejected the player's request and Spurs' offer.

Following the derby draw with Sunderland, Arca said if the likes of Downing - plus Gary O'Neil and Mido - want to quit there is not much that can be done.

"It's his decision, he has his own reasons," Arca told The Sun.

"That's why we don't talk to him about it. We don't want to push him away by questioning why.

"We have not been doing anything different with him. It's the same with Gary O'Neil and Mido. If players want to leave they will leave. He's going to do what is best for him."