Boro ready to fight off Liverpool's Stewart Downing interest
Published 00:00 27/06/08 By By Simon Bird
Gareth Southgate is ready to fight Liverpool to keep £12million England winger Stewart Downing.
Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Downing, revealed in Spy this month, as Rafa Benitez looks to plug his problem left-wing position.
Downing is a top priority for the Anfield boss, who believes he can prise him away from the Riverside Stadium.
He signed a five-year deal at Boro in January, but wants to push on in his career if his home-town club does not show ambition.
Downing, 24, said: "The manager knows when you are playing for England you have to play at the top or you will lose your place."
Southgate said: "I fought to get him on a new contract last season and he is not for sale."
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