Soccer-Roundup 2-Downing signs five year deal with Middlesbrough

LONDON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Soccer news in brief from around the world:

* England winger Stewart Downing has signed a new five-year contract with Middlesbrough, the Premier League club said on their Web site (www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk).

The 23-year-old said an important factor in his decision was the ambition Boro showed last month when paying Dutch club Heerenveen a club record 12 million pounds ($23.58 million) for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves.

* Atletico Madrid are to appeal against the red card shown to Argentine striker Sergio Aguero in Thursday's 1-0 UEFA Cup defeat at Bolton Wanderers, the Primera Liga club said on their Web site (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com).

The 19-year-old was sent off in the 73rd minute for spitting at an opponent, referee Peter Rasmussen said in his match report. Aguero told coach Javier Aguirre he spat on the ground.

* Sevilla's Uruguay striker Ernesto Chevanton is due to have surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and will be out of action for around four weeks.