MIDDLESBOUGH boss Gareth Southgate is determined to keep Stewart Downing at the Riverside this summer, but Everton remain hopeful of pulling off an audacious swoop for the England international.

The Northern Echo revealed Everton's interest in Downing on Saturday, and boss David Moyes is expected to make a formal approach for the 22-year-old later this month.

Southgate, who is already having to fend off Portsmouth's attempts to re-sign striker Ayegbeni Yakubu, faces a difficult decision, with Moyes preparing a £10m package that is likely to include former Boro transfer target James Beattie.

But while the Middlesbrough manager has previously stated every player in his squad has their price, he has subsequently insisted Downing will not be going anywhere this summer.

"Stewart is such a good player and is now an established player in the England squad, so I'm not at all surprised that other clubs might be interested in him, but that's as far as it goes," said Southgate, who continues to monitor Alan Smith's situation at Manchester United as speculation over Yakubu's future refuses to fade.

"Stewart is definitely not for sale, so other clubs would be wasting their time even considering making an offer. The idea that we would want to sell the likes of Stewart is way off target.

"As I've said before, we are looking to play an attractive brand of winning football next season - and Stewart will be a major part of that."

Tuncay Sanli is also an integral part of Southgate's future plans, and the Turkey international arrived on Teesside yesterday to begin a medical.

With personal terms already agreed, the striker's free transfer from Fenerbahce could be completed today.

The anticipated arrival of his compatriot Gokdeniz Karadeniz, however, has not been as smooth. A £2m deal for the 27-year-old had been agreed but subsequent competition from both Fenerbahce and Newcastle United has seen Trabzonspor officials attempt to move the goalposts.