The Middlesbrough winger could be a superb addition to the Burnley squad.
Clarets boss Sean Dyche has a lot of work to do again this summer, if he is to guide his side to a successful Premier League campaign next this season.
Burnley were one of the more defence-minded sides in the division last term, and the only reason they survived was because of their well-drilled and organised rear-guard displays.
They will have to improve on their attacking options, however, to avoid becoming a one-trick pony.
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing
The acquisition of an experienced, creative attacking midfielder will surely feature highly on Dyche’s wish-list, and with this in mind, they should enter the race to sign Middlesbrough star Stewart Downing.
The Sun reported yesterday that Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the race to sign the 32-year-old, so the Lanchashire outfit will have to be quick if they want to gatecrash the Seagulls’ interest.
The left-footed former West Ham and Liverpool man possesses incredible technical ability, and can play anywhere along the front-line – something that could prove to be a useful asset for the Clarets, what with the somewhat small group of players at Dyche’s disposal.
The Boro winger’s quality is underlined by the 35 caps he has earned for the England national team, and his presence in and around the Burnley side would not only improve their attacking output on the football pitch, but would surely also be a massive boost in the dressing room for some of the younger players.
The Teesside outfit’s new boss Garry Monk has told Downing that he has no future at the Riverside, and they are willing to sanction his exit without the need of a transfer fee – something else that will prove hugely attractive to the Clarets, what with their limited budget.
The one main stumbling block will be in attracting the former England international to Turf Moor, with so many other clubs reportedly interested in him.
Sean Dyche has a superb reputation within the game, however, and the opportunity to work with him could prove to be an appealing one.
And if Downing does eventually move to Lancashire to link up with Burnley, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance.
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing
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