Tottenham are closing in on a £12 million deal for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

The Mail on Sunday says the Middlesbrough and England winger will be Harry Redknapp's first major transfer since he replaced Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane six weeks ago.

Downing's decision to switch to Spurs has been influenced by his close relationship with former Boro team-mate Jonathan Woodgate. Downing's sister is the Tottenham central defender's girlfriend.

Boro are reluctant to let Downing go having secured him recently on a long term contract, but the fee will allow manager Gareth Southgate to spend himself next month.