Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing is reportedly on the radar of Aston Villa.
According to The Sunday People (print edition, page 55, June 25, 2017), Stewart Downing can leave Middlesbrough on a free transfer this summer.
Downing’s current contract with Middlesbrough runs until June 2019, according to Transfermarkt.co.uk, but it has been reported that the Championship club will allow him to leave on a free in the summer transfer window.
The 32-year-old, who can operate as a winger or as an attacking midfielder, though, wants to stay closer to the North East, claims The Sunday People (print edition, page 55, June 25, 2017).
This means that Aston Villa are probably out of the running to sign Downing. According to The Express & Star, Villa are considering a bid for the Englishman.
The former Liverpool attacking midfielder played for the Villans from 2009 until 2011, and he still has a few good years left in him.
Given that Villa will be aiming to finish in the top six of the Championship next season, Downing would be a good signing for Steve Bruce’s side.
However, if Downing wants to stay closer to the North East, then it probably rules out the prospect of him joining Villa in the summer transfer window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
