Julio Arca insists none of the Middlesbrough players are trying to convince Tottenham target Stewart Downing to stay at the Riverside Stadium.The Argentine midfielder insists that it is up to the England star whether he wants to quit Teesside or not.

Downing asked for a transfer last week as Tottenham made a bid for services, but Boro rejected the player's request and Spurs' offer.

Following the weekend derby draw with Sunderland, Arca stated that if the likes of Downing, Gary O'Neil and Mido want to quit, there is not much that can be done.

"It's his decision, he has his own reasons," he told The Sun. "That's why we don't talk to him about it. We don't want to push him away by questioning why.

"We have not been doing anything different with him. It's the same with Gary O'Neil and Mido. If players want to leave they will leave. He's going to do what is best for him."

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