Newcastle are leading the race to sign West Ham winger Stewart Downing this month as they are prepared to offer him first-team football.
The Daily Star say the Toon have edged ahead of local rivals Sunderland and Middlesbrough to sign the England international – and are also eyeing a sensational bid to re-sign striker Andy Carroll.
The 30-year-old winger Downing is said to be keen on a return to the North East, and has already seen a £5m bid from Sunderland rejected for his services.
The Black Cats are said to be readying a second offer as Leicester make their interest known in signing Downing in a £7m deal. Although, a homecoming to Middlesbrough, his first club, is alluring.
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren, the man who gave Downing his debut at Middlesbrough, is said to be offering first-team guarantees for the winger, as well as a much desired move up North.
McClaren, eager to get the Newcastle fans on his side, will also try an ambitious move to sign Andy Carroll.
The England international striker is currently fighting to return from his latest injury, and was linked with a return to Newcastle earlier this summer.
However, Slaven Bilic has given Carroll a major boost as he plans on offering him a chance in the first-team.
