Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has dismissed talk of selling England winger Stewart Downing this month.

The winger's agent Ian Elliott has been involved in protracted improved contract talks with Boro for some time.

But Southgate dismissed reports that there was a major problem.

Southgate said: "We are involved with ongoing discussions with Stewart and his representative about a longer contract. We see Stewart as part of our future and hopefully things will be sorted as soon as possible."