Keith Lamb: 'Still No Bids!'

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb has insisted once more that no fresh bids for any players have been recieved this month.

His latest claim flies in the face of reports suggesting Spurs had increased their bid for Stewart Downing, and that Newcastle had made an approach for Jonathan Woodgate.

Lamb said, 'It is the last week of the transfer window so it is the silly season and speculation is rife but we have had no offers for any of our players.'

Yesterday Newcastle were rumoured to have made an official approach for local lad Woodgate, with new boss Kevin Keegan keen to bolster his leaky defence.

Keegan, who gave Woodgate his England debut when boss of the national side, has remained a huge admirer of the centre-back, and would relish adding him to the Newcastle revolution.

Meanwhile, Carling Cup-finalists Tottenham are still believed to be chasing Downing. Interest earlier this month was immediately knocked back by Boro, however the Londoners feel a renewed approach could see the England international move to White Hart Lane.

However, Lamb's statement was clearly one of intent. Boro are unwilling to let go of their best players, and they are ready to knuckle down and fight for them.