West Ham and England midfielder Stewart Downing could be departing the club this summer, with a shock move to his hometown of Middlesbrough a potential possibility.
According to the Northern Echo, the Championship side that narrowly missed out on promotion are plotting a £5million bid for the Englishman.
Downing did not feature in the recent 3-0 Europa League win over FC Lusitans, and is unlikely to participate in the return leg. He has also been previously linked with a move to Sunderland.
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.
