Steven Gerrard reportedly wants to reunite with Downing at Glasgow Rangers but Sunderland could allegedly take him from Middlesbrough.
Sunderland have joined the race to sign Stewart Downing from local rivals Middlesbrough this summer and the Northern Echo believe he would prefer a move to Wearside than a reunion with Steven Gerrard at Rangers.
The 34-year-old’s second spell at Boro appears to be coming to an end as we approach the final few weeks of the 2018/19 season.
There is a clause in his contract stating that he will be automatically handed a contract extension when he makes his 22nd league start of the season.
It seems that Boro have no interest in keeping Downing at the Riverside, given that Tony Pulis has not included the veteran in his first XI since December.
The former England international, who will be a free agent in July, is one of the club’s highest earners.
The Northern Echo reports that Gerrard, who worked with Downing at Liverpool, is keen to bring him north of the border with Rangers.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are also allegedly interested and could make a move if Jack Ross leads them to promotion.
Interestingly, the report adds that the former West Ham wide man would prefer to join Sunderland over Rangers as he hopes to remain in the north east for family reasons.
Clubs in MLS are also keen to take Downing to America but it seems that staying near his home is a priority.
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