Don't sell my star Middlesbrough men, pleads Southgate
Gareth Southgate has pleaded with Middlesbrough not to sacrifice Stewart Downing or Jonathan Woodgate to finance his moves for forwards Afonso Alves and Fred.
Riverside officials met Afonso on Thursday for further talks over a £12million switch which would smash Middlesbrough's transfer record.
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Unwelcome sacrifice: retaining Woodgate (right) is essential for Southgate
Southgate confirmed his interest in Afonso and Lyon's Fred, but insisted he did not want to lose Downing and Woodgate, who have been linked with Tottenham.
Southgate said: 'Everyone would get a lift if we could add to the squad. I don't know why there is speculation about Jonathan Woodgate. I know about it but he is part of my plans.
'He is someone we signed to build a team around. The rumours are probably mischievous. I'm not aware that he would want to go.
'Stewart is an England international and I want him to be part of the club's future. We want to resolve his contract situation as soon as possible.'
Landing Fred and Afonso would cost in the region of £20m, way in excess of the budget Southgate was originally told he had to work with.
Fred returned to Lyon yesterday after a 10-day absence, insisting he had not been away talking to other clubs.
The £7.5m-rated striker said: 'I had personal trouble to sort out in Brazil. I have just divorced and I had to handle problems for my daughter. But if Lyon and myself receive a good offer, then I will go. Indeed, I believe the best solution would be for me to leave.'
Meanwhile, Afonso was told by Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek that he had no future at the Dutch club. From the moment he said he wanted to leave Heerenveen, the story was over,' said Verbeek.
