Downing has reportedly been made available for a loan this month.
Aston Villa have been linked with a host of their former stars since the start of the January transfer window, and another name linked this week was that of Stewart Downing.
As revealed by HITC Sport on Monday, the 32-year-old will be allowed to seek a temporary departure from his boyhood club, whom he rejoined for a second spell 18 months ago.
Among the clubs thought to be interested in bringing in the former England international this month are his former side Villa, currently mid-table in the Championship.
Downing scored 11 times in 79 games for Villa in two seasons at the club under Martin O’Neill and Gerard Houllier at the start of this decade.
Since returning to Boro he has played a big role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League, but he has barely featured in recent weeks for Aitor Karanka’s side.
As a result, it is thought that Karanka is willing to let the star leave on loan this month, and Villa’s credited interest could be one to watch.
Villa have already been linked with moves for former stars such as Fabian Delph this month as Steve Bruce looks to bolster his squad for a sustained play-off push.
Fans were split right down the middle in reaction to those Delph reports, and they voiced their opinions once more as rumours of a potential return for Downing surfaced.
It appears as though the experienced winger is a popular target for the Villa faithful, who urged the club to bring him back to Villa Park.
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