Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing handed in a written transfer request after deciding he could not fulfil his ambitions with his home-town club.
That is according to the 24-year-old's father, also Stewart, who revealed the England international had agonised over his decision to formally ask for a move this morning with Tottenham Hotspur stepping up their long-held interest in him.
Downing Snr said: ‘Stewart's been frustrated since the summer, really.
‘When he signed his new contract, he was assured there would be significant investment in the squad.
‘He feels the club haven't matched those expectations. He's also frustrated the team is once again struggling in the Premier League.
‘Obviously as a Middlesbrough lad, he's thought long and hard about the decision to hand in a transfer request and he also hopes the fans will understand his reasons for doing so.’
Boro recruited Didier Digard, Marvin Emnes and Justin Hoyte during the summer, but funded their recruitment drive largely from the proceeds of selling Luke Young to Aston Villa and Lee Cattermole to Wigan Athletic.
They are yet to respond publicly to Downing's request, but chairman Steve Gibson has insisted neither he, nor any of the club's other big names, will be allowed to leave the Riverside Stadium this month.
Chief executive Keith Lamb dismissed Spurs initial offer for the midfielder as ‘derisory’, although it is understood the North London club have now indicated a willingness to pay in excess of £11million for his services.
Boro value Downing at around £15million, and while manager Gareth Southgate accepts there is a point at which the Teessiders could not afford to hold out as they attempt to balance the books, Gibson appears adamant.
The chairman said: ‘I can confirm we have rejected an offer from Spurs for Stewart Downing.
‘I have categorically told [Spurs chairman] Daniel Levy their interest is not welcome, nor will we entertain any further offers for Stewart.
‘Nor will we will entertain offers for any other senior members of our squad. None of our senior players will be leaving the club this month.
‘As far as we are concerned, this is now the end of the matter.
‘We have got a talented group of players and it's time for us to knuckle down and focus on the job in hand.’
Downing signed a new five-year deal in February last year having decided he could realise his dreams on his native Teesside.
However, Spurs, who have been on his trail for several years, have made little secret of their interest despite a series of unequivocal rebuffs, and it remains to be seen whether or not the player's proactive approach pays dividends.
Gibson's determination to hang on to the star graduate of the club's renowned Academy is understandable - Boro currently lie in 17th place in the Barclays Premier League, clear of Stoke City inside the drop zone only on goal difference.
