Irons playmaker Stewart Downing may not be a Hammer next season, as fellow Premier League side Sunderland open negotiations with the Englishman.
According to the Shields Gazette, Downing is keen on a move back up the country and Dick Advocaat’s side are interested in signing a winger for the new campaign.
The 30-year-old was an integral part of the West Ham team that managed to reach the top four in the league at Christmas, having recorded six goals and eight assists across 2013/14.
Downing’s refreshing performances were rewarded with an international call-up to the England side, impressing Roy Hodgson and earning his 35th cap.
It is not clear whether or not new manager Slaven Bilic has the attacking midfielder in his plans, but the recent signing of Dimitri Payet could well be a hint.
He could be available for a fee of around £6million, which would mean that the East London club would have made a profit on the player, as he cost around £5million in 2013 from Liverpool.
