STEWART Downing last night played down recent transfer speculation linking him with a move away from his hometown club by declaring: "I'm going nowhere."

The Middlesbrough starlet has been the subject of summer of interest from Tottenham and has been admired for a long time by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson sees Downing as the natural successor and heir to wing king Ryan Giggs' throne; while Spurs believe the 20-year-old wideman would be perfect providing the ammunition for their forward line of Jermain Defoe, Freddie Kanoute, Mido and Robbie Keane.

But while Ferguson is an admirer of the Boro winger and Spurs have made inquiries to his availability, no bid has been forthcoming by either club.

Either way, Downing was happy to quash all speculation and alleviate fans' fears.

"I have ignored all the speculation, and the fans can too," said Downing, who still has three years left on his contract.

"I am committed to staying with Boro. I am a local lad and wouldn't be interested in moving. The only thing I am concerned about is helping Middlesbrough to have a good season.

"I love it here and there's no reason why we can't push on for a Champions League place next season."

The former Pallister Park schoolboy reiterated negotiations between the club and his agent Ian Elliott - over new terms - are well underway, and added he is more than happy to commit himself further to his hometown club.

"I am having discussions over improving my contract," confessed Downing, who is currently undergoing treatment for an injured knee picked up on England's tour to the USA. "These things obviously take a little bit of time, but it is not about me wanting to leave."

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer may have beaten former legend Wilf Mannion's 52-year-old record haul of 26 caps, while at Middlesbrough, but he couldn't prevent Australia from losing against hosts Germany in the Confederations Cup.

The Boro stopper performed heroics in winning his 27th cap while at the club - 32 in all - but the Socceroos still crashed 4-3 to Juergen Klinsmann's side.

The 32-year-old pulled off a string of saves, especially in the second half.

Boro striker Mark Viduka was an unused substitute.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.