Harry Redknapp has expressed his desire to sign Stewart Downing.
Harry Redknapp has revealed that Birmingham City have rejected a bid from Middlesbrough for Ryan Shotton, as the club felt the offer wasn’t up to mark.
Boro have spent more than £30m already this summer, but manager Garry Monk is looking to make another couple of additions before the start of the Championship season.
Defence is one area where Monk needs reinforcement. Calum Chambers has returned to Arsenal following the end of his loan spell, while Bernardo Espinosa and Antonio Barragan have left the club permanently this month.
They have shifted their attention towards signing Shotton, but their opening bid has been rejected.
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing scores their second goal
The 28-year-old has slipped down the St Andrew’s pecking order following the £5 million signing of Marc Roberts from Barnsley, but Redknapp has made it clear that the player will be sold at the right price.
“We had an offer from Middlesbrough – it didn’t meet our valuation,” said Redknapp, as quoted by The Northern Echo. “Everybody we go for is big money, so if Ryan wants to take the opportunity to go to Middlesbrough then we have got to get the right money.”
Redknapp has expressed his desire to sign former Liverpool player Stewart Downing, but the club cannot meet his wage demands.
The 33-year-old winger is reportedly one of the highest-paid players on Middlesbrough’s books, and Redknapp says it is difficult for Birmingham to pay him Premier League wages.
“I would like to bring him (Downing) here, but it’s difficult,” said Redknapp, as quoted by The Northern Echo. “It just depends. He is one of a list of maybe five players I have in mind. I think we need to strengthen the squad.
“Stewart’s not unreasonable. He’s a free agent, he’s a fantastic signing. He would give us a lovely balance, a lovely left foot. I think he is a class player, but I need to speak to the people at Middlesbrough and see what the situation is.
“Last year he was on Premier League wages at Middlesbrough, so we will have to do a deal somewhere. It’s difficult for us to pay Premier League wages, but I would like to bring him.”
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp
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