Spurs Set For 'Exceptional' Offer For Downing!

Last updated : 21 December 2008 By Boro Mad

I'm still not convinced about Real Madrid's "interest" in Adam Johnson, but midfielder Gary O'Neil is certainly a target for former club Portsmouth.

Who goes ... who stays?

Southgate is obviously eager to retain his current squad at the Riverside, but he has suggested ... should an offer could come that is too good to refuse ... the club will bend to the pressure.

Southgate: "I would rather keep hold of who we've got than sell, but something like that Diarra offer (*Portsmouth's decision to accept Real's bid for Lassana Diarra) can happen and it alters things.

"There will be interest in some of our players and there may be an offer that we find impossible to turn down.

"I'd love to say x, y or z are untouchable but I can't. I've got to be honest and say certain players would be sold.

"They would have to be exceptional offers, but there are certain clubs with exceptional money.

"We'll fight to keep our best players, but are not in a position to say they are untouchable when there is an offer too good to turn down.

"The majority of the clubs in this division will feel the same way in January."