Downing and Johnson are both graduates of Boro's academy

England left-winger Downing, 23, has been linked with moves to Everton and Tottenham, who have also shown interest in his Boro understudy Johnson, 20.

But Boro assistant boss Malcolm Crosby told his club's website: "They won't be going anywhere.

"We want to keep them. They are two great players. We don't want them to be leaving this club."

Downing has scored four goals in 19 games this campaign, including the opener in Boro's 2-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal on 9 December.

England Under-21 international Johnson impressed during a loan spell with Watford earlier this season and has featured regularly since returning from Vicarage Road.

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According to Crosby, Boro manager Gareth Southgate is looking to add to his squad in the January transfer window rather than see players leave the Riverside.

"You are always looking," Crosby explained. "Every club is the same, they are always looking to bring new additions into the squad because every club wants to strengthen their squad.

"But it is never an easy time, January. You can end up with players who were maybe not 100% what you wanted.