Crystal Palace and Newcastle have been linked with a move for Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing.
According to the Teesside Gazette, Crystal Palace are keen on Middlesbrough playmaker Stewart Downing – but the Shields Gazette believe Newcastle are also interested.
Downing, 32, was an important player for Middlesbrough last season as they won promotion to the Premier League, with the playmaker hitting three goals and five assists for his hometown club.
West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson in action with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing
The midfielder was expected to be an important player for Aitor Karanka’s side this season, but he’s started just 11 of Middlesbrough’s 20 Premier League games, and has recently been left out of the side in favour of players like Adama Traore, Gaston Ramirez and Viktor Fischer.
Now, the Teesside Gazette report that Downing has been told he is free to leave the Riverside Stadium on loan this season, and Crystal Palace are interested.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce
The Eagles are now managed by Sam Allardyce following Alan Pardew’s departure last month, and he has yet to win his first game having drawn twice and lost twice in his four games in charge.
The poor start to life at Selhurst Park means that Allardyce will want January reinforcements, and Downing is one player he’s believed to be interested in luring back to London.
Downing starred under Allardyce at West Ham during the 2014/15 season, hitting six goals and eight assists in a central attacking midfield role, and Allardyce is believed to be keen on a reunion in a bid to bring some creativity to his side.
It’s added by the Shields Gazette that Newcastle United have been alerted by his availability, and with Rafael Benitez keen to add a left-sided winger to his side, Downing has emerged as a possible target for the Championship club, who would be able to offer Downing a local move.
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