Tottenham up Downing stakes
Downing could yet be tempted by a move to north London
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Saturday, 26, Aug 2006 08:09
Spurs manager Martin Jol has tabled an improved offer for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, a player they have tracked for over 12 months.
Having had an offer of £6 million turned down by the Teessiders last summer Jol is confident that the new amount, believed to be around £10 million, will tempt Boro' chairman Steve Gibson to sell his prize asset.
"We made a very good bid for him. Our highest bid to be honest," he told the BBC.
"He is the number one player we want. We want the best and for us he is the best player."
The 22-year-old shone as his side advanced all the way to the Uefa Cup final last season and has a big international future with his former club boss Steve McClaren now in the England hot seat.
Middlesbrough would be loathed to lose their wide-man after making a very public declaration that he was unavailable just a matter of months ago.
"Stewart Downing is not for sale. We are building a team, not dismantling one. We have had no contact about him and we don't expect or want any," said their chief executive Keith Lamb in May.