Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson strongly denied reports he is ready to sell the club.

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The Sunday Express claimed the lifelong Boro fan was ready to end his day-to-day involvement with the club and invite outside investment following their relegation to the Championship.

But Gibson on Sunday issued a strongly-worded statement insisting: "This report is totally inaccurate.

"The club is not for sale. I'm absolutely committed to Middlesbrough Football Club and I'm going to stay with the club. The fans can ignore this silly report.

"I've made that absolutely clear in the recent past. My sole focus for Middlesbrough Football Club is getting us back in the Premier League. That's what we're all working towards and we believe we can do it."

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb echoed the owner's thoughts, dismissing the reports as "wide of the mark".

"Steve and I have gone to extraordinary lengths recently to make it clear to the media that the club is not for sale and never has been," said Lamb.

"Steve's commitment remains as strong as ever.

"We would not normally react to what has become known as football's 'silly season' but this is so wide of the mark it's important Boro fans know that Steve's loyalty to the club has never wavered."