The Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has signalled his intent to leave the Riverside Stadium after handing in a written transfer request.

Downing, 24, who only signed a new five-year contract in February 2008, is believed to have become unsettled following Boro's slide towards the foot of the Premier League table this season.

Downing has already been the subject one of unsuccessful £6million bid from Tottenham Hotspur since the transfer window reopened last week.

However, Spurs face a fight to persuade Boro to part company with the England international as the Teessiders are under no financial pressure to sell any of their prize assets.