Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has urged Stewart Downing to concentrate on securing his future at the Riverside Stadium despite continued speculation about a move elsewhere.

Downing has been linked with Tottenham and Everton in recent weeks but Southgate admits he is desperate for talks over a contract extension to continue with the England winger.

Southgate said: "Stewart has got two-and-a-half years left on his current contract and we are in discussions about a new one.

"Hopefully that can be resolved because he is a very talented player and we want him to be a part of this club's future. So hopefully that can be resolved as soon as possible."

Southgate believes Downing has shown another side to his game this season despite Boro's inconsistency, grabbing five goals already after netting just twice in the whole of the last campaign.

"He's always been somebody that provides a lot of goals for us and his goal-scoring is now back to what it was a few years ago," Southgate added.

"There is no reason why he can't go on to get double figures."

Downing is just one of a number of Boro stars who head into Saturday's home clash with Liverpool the subject of transfer speculation.

Captain George Boateng was believed to be on his way out after an apparent difference of opinion with Southgate led to him missing the last two games.

But the pair seem to have settled their differences with Southgate insisting: "George is a good professional and he was back involved with the squad from Monday.

"I know if we decide he is in the team on Saturday he will give everything he's got.

"He's our most experienced outfield player and I'm well aware how important experience is when you're in the bottom half of the table, so I'm pleased he's back in the fold."

Despite their lowly league position, Boro head into the clash with Rafael Benitez's men in good heart after three league wins from their last six and a fine FA Cup success at Bristol City last week.

The suspensions of Lee Cattermole and Julio Arca have left a hole in midfield, but the possible return of Boateng and the availability after his own ban of Gary O'Neil gives Southgate options.

Southgate added: "There was a lot of despondency after the home game with Everton and we have had three wins in six games - which would have been a decent record if we'd had a few draws as well.

"Bristol City was a big game for us and we gave a disciplined and professional performance down there and we didn't panic when we went behind.

"There is always one element of our team which ends up being short and this week it's the midfield. But it means opportunities for people and they have got to take those opportunities and grab them.

"Liverpool are a class side and it is always a big occasion when they come and play you. Our home form hasn't been as good as it could have been so we've got to make this place an intimidating place to come to again."

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