Harry drops Downing hint

Harry Redknapp will look to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to solve Tottenham's riddle on the left-hand side of midfield.

Redknapp has been operating with two natural right footers - Aaron Lennon and David Bentley - to fill the void but wants to bring balance to his White Hart Lane engine room and is a confirmed admirer of Riverside favourite Downing.

Boro manager Gareth Southgate will be reluctant to part company with his star asset but Redknapp is determined to bring in a left-sided midfielder and proven goalscorer.

"I like Downing but I don't know whether Middlesbrough want to sell him," Redknapp said.

"If I could find a wide-left player I would like to get one. That and a frontman would be the priority."