Tottenham were rumoured to be interested in signing Downing

The 23-year-old, who had over two years remaining on his previous deal, had been linked with a move to Tottenham during the January transfer window.

Downing's decision to stay with his hometown club comes as a major boost to manager Gareth Southgate.

It was feared that Downing may leave the club in pursuit of European football.

News conference: Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing

606: DEBATE Give us your thoughts on the Downing deal

But speaking last week Downing revealed that the arrival of �12m striker Afonso Alves in January convinced him to stay at the Riverside.

"I had told the club I didn't want to stand still. Signing Alves shows how ambitious we are," he said.