Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has warned Liverpool and Aston Villa that England international winger Stewart Downing is not for sale.

With the departure of keeper Mark Schwarzer to Fulham in May 2008, Downing is now Middlesbrough's second longest serving player, the first being Brad Jones.

Tottenham Hotaspur, having lost their first two matches in the Premiere League, need to bolster their midfield and Spurs boss Juande Ramos is also said to be a keen admirer of the winger.

But Southgate says he has not received any approach for the 24-year-old, and has warned interested clubs like Liverpool, Spurs and Aston Villa, that the player is not for sale.

"I keep reading it, but the sands of time are running out and there is no approach," he said.

"Clubs know we have no interest in doing any business there, so I presume that's why they haven't bothered”.

"Obviously it would appeal to many, but he is not available. It's very straightforward."