Boro chief vows to hold onto stars

Mido's brother claims the Egypt forward will leave Middlesbrough this month despite the claims of Steve Gibson that no big names will be sold.

Mido: Wants out of Boro
Mido: Wants out of Boro

Mido is one of a number of Boro stars looking to quit the Riverside Stadium this month and his brother claims a number of Premier League sides have already been in contact to express their interest in signing the 25-year-old.

"Mido is on the verge of leaving Middlesbrough because he wants to play regularly," Hossam Wasfi told FilGoal.

"He was approached by some mid-table clubs in England, but is still considering his options regarding the next move."

Wigan had looked the most likely bidders for Mido, but his brother insisted this was an unlikely move.

"I don't think Mido is tempted by Wigan, even though they are interested," he added.

Stewart Downing and Gary O'Neil are also looking to leave this month, and will hand in formal transfer requests if moves are not forthcoming, but Boro chairman Gibson has again insisted the club's big names are going nowhere.

"I repeat: none of our senior players will be leaving the Riverside Stadium this month," he told The Times.

"We've got a talented group of players and it's time for us to knuckle down and focus on the job in hand.

"As far as we're concerned, this is now an end to the matter."

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb lambasted Tottenham for their approach for Downing, as they launched an initial bid of just £6million.

And Gibson reiterated that he has told Spurs to not bother coming back for the England winger.

"I can confirm that we have received an offer from Spurs for Stewart Downing and I can also confirm that we have rejected that offer," added Gibson.

"I've spoken to Daniel Levy and told him categorically that their interest is not welcome.

"I've also told him that we will not entertain any further offers for Stewart or, for that matter, any other senior member of our squad. The same applies to Tuncay and it also applies to Gary O'Neil."

Your Comments

pap123 (Middlesbrough fan)

"In my opnion downing has not had a good season since the season we got to the UEFA cup final. Ever since then he plays 2 good games and 5 bad ones. He played well for England came back and done what?. He has not scored, 15 million for a player that cannot score even from penalties should go. He was great when he used to take people on but his pace has diminshed since his knee injury 2 years ago. The other two O'Neill and Mido are jokes sell them I would not cry about it. O' Neill was made to look like a first division player by the likes of Arteta and Cahill. And what was that about Mido wanting games he played on Boxing day, 3 days later at Old Trafford sat at home with a parmo watching the game on Setanta sports. "

wheater31 (Middlesbrough fan)

"xarkaltos, wouldnt mind people like mido rotting in the reserves but the facts are we need the money from people like him. if we havent got mido it doesnt leave us with alot up top. would suggest that if we sell o'neill for £6m we spend it straight on joe ledley, a like for like replacement and hes definitely good enough for the premier league and wouldnt upset the balance too much. think if we get £13 for downing we need a left back, right mid and another centre mid. only worry about signing another forward if we sell mido and just use the money we raise from him"

dazlid (Middlesbrough fan)

"This guy is unreal, he gets fit in summer, pie munches through a bunch of injuries, demands he get a game then sulks when he doesn't. Only a couple of months ago he was saying how it was time he settled down and showed some commitment...! To what Mido, the pies?

I hope we sell him and buy a real striker, not a whinging fat Egyptian g0bsh1te. On your way out of the door will you please take Shawky with you, he is as much use as a chocolate teapot as well."

apollo creed (Tottenham Hotspur fan)

"I think boro will find that if a player really wants to leave, he will.

We found that out last summer. This is football I am afraid. There is a hierachy, and spurs happene to be above boro, and united above spurs and so on "

srylatt (Middlesbrough fan)

"Gibson said no big names not no big stomachs, see you Mido you waster"

xarkaltos (Middlesbrough fan)

"Rot in the reserves Mido, if you'd ever been close to fitness you'd have got more games, spent more time in the physio's room than on the pitch, please leave and sign into someone else's hospital department. Waste of space."

mycarImissu (Charlton Athletic fan)

"Mido's brother, PURLEASE!"

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