Garry Monk has admitted that conversations between Middlesbrough and Stewart Downing will remain private, but indicated the winger will still be leaving the club this summer, reports the Northern Echo.

Downing has been at the Riverside Stadium for the last two seasons, where he has enjoyed a successful return to the club he started his career with.

The winger helped Boro back to the Premier League during the 2015/16 season, before making 30 appearances in the top-flight last year.

Boro were eventually relegated from the Premier League, and are now preparing for life back in the Sky Bet Championship, under the leadership of Monk, who was appointed earlier this summer.

The 38-year-old manager has confirmed that Downing is surplus to requirements at Boro and can leave the club ahead of next season.

Despite the 2017/18 campaign fast approaching, Downing is yet to find a new club despite finding himself out of Monk’s plan.

When questioned again about Downing’s future, Monk said: “It’s a situation with Stewy and some of the other guys. I’ve had conversations with all the players, and out of respect, those conversations should stay between us.

“We’re looking to recruit, but we’re also looking to move players out. That’s for the club, and for me to do. Let’s see what goes on in the next couple of weeks.”

Harry Redknapp was reportedly keen to take Downing to Birmingham City this summer, but the two clubs could not reach an agreement over the remaining two years of the player’s contract with Boro.

Spanish outfit, Girona, are all interested in signing Downing ahead of the new season.

Boro begin their return to the Championship next weekend, when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.

The Verdict

When a new manager arrives at the club, changes are expected to happen, which makes Garry Monk’s treatment of Downing unsurprising.

Downing is coming into the twilight of his career, and whilst his experience is handy, he is unlikely to be handed much game time at the Riverside, with Monk having a multi-million-pound squad at his disposal.

Birmingham’s pursuit of Downing may have stalled, but it would be no surprise to see Redknapp re-enter discussions with Boro over the winger, who will believe he still has a lot to offer in English football.

Boro fans… Let us know your thoughts!