Rangers reportedly want to bring Stewart Downing to Ibrox.
Rangers will already have one eye on the summer transfer window, and boss Steven Gerrard may well be eyeing up one of his former teammates.
The Gers need more creativity in midfield, and the Teesside Gazette report that Rangers are now considering a shock move for Middlesbrough veteran Stewart Downing.
Downing has grabbed two goals and an assist in 31 games this season, but looks set to leave Boro this summer, as he is out of contract unless he starts one more Championship game, activating a new one-year deal.
Boro have kept Downing on the bench for months now, so a summer departure seems inevitable – and Rangers may be looking to land him.
At nearly 35, Downing may not inspire many, but he played with Rangers boss Gerrard for both England and Liverpool, with a reunion seemingly a possibility this summer.
Gerrard has already shown his persuasive ability with Downing, as the Liverpool Echo carried quotes from Downing in 2011, just after his move from Aston Villa to Liverpool, praising Gerrard’s role in the move.
Downing admitted that he made the move after taking Gerrard’s advice, with the now-Rangers boss telling him just how great the club was, and their chat convinced Downing to make the move.
Gerrard may now need to pull off a similar deal this time, convincing Downing to head up to Ibrox to join forces once again, just as he did with Jermain Defoe in January.
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