Harry Redknapp gives Middlesbrough £12million ultimatum for Stewart Downing - exclusive

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp made a £12million 'take it or leave it' offer for Middlesbrough skipper Stewart Downing last night.

Redknapp slapped in his bid after being shocked to find out rival chief Gareth Southgate had blocked the left-winger's exit earlier in the week while the clubs were negotiating a fee.

The Tottenham chief has been after Downing for weeks - as first revealed by Mirror Sport - but the deal took different directions with swaps being discussed.

However Redknapp has decided to go for the throat with a straight cash offer, spurred on by Southgate's remarks that Downing would not be leaving - which went against all of the steers he was getting from Boro officials.

Boro now say they want £15m but that price hike will upset Downing, who thought he would be sold for the lesser valuation.

Redknapp needs a left winger to balance his side and Downing has always been his first choice, but he has others in mind - including Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

But Spurs will give Boro - and Downing himself - a few days to decide what they want to do.

Redknapp insists there will be no more cash and feels the figure is at the level he was originally told would be enough.