Stewart Downing to Birmingham move delayed as Middlesbrough and Blues fail to agree terms.
The expected transfer of Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough to Birmingham City is delayed as the two clubs fail to come to an agreement, reports the Gazette.
As talkSPORT reported in June, new Boro manager Garry Monk told Downing he was not part of his first team plans and could leave the Riverside Stadium on a free transfer.
West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson in action with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing
Therefore the issue does not seem to be about how much Birmingham will pay for the midfielder, but more to do with his wages.
According to the Northern Echo, Downing is the highest paid player at Middlesbrough and still has two years remaining on his lucrative contract.
The 32-year-old does not want to leave Teesside and would therefore not be willing to take a pay cut, meaning Boro would have to pay a contribution towards his salary if he were to leave – an expensive prospect for the next two years.
There is also interest in Downing from Spain, but he would prefer to stay in England and if no deal can be completed before the window shuts, will stay as part of Monk’s first team until January.
New Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk with chief executive Neil Bausor during the press conference
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