Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has made a final £12 million offer for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.
The Mirror says Redknapp slapped in his bid after being shocked to find out rival chief Gareth Southgate had blocked the left-winger's exit earlier in the week while the clubs were negotiating a fee.
Boro now say they want £15m but that price hike will upset Downing, who thought he would be sold for the lesser valuation.
Spurs will give Boro - and Downing himself - a few days to decide what they want to do.
Redknapp insists there will be no more cash and feels the figure is at the level he was originally told would be enough.