According to Scott Wilson from the Northern Echo, Stewart Downing is set to undergo a medical at Middlesbrough, ahead of his return to the Riverside Stadium. Both ‘Boro and West Ham have finally agreed on the schedule of payment for the transfer.
The Hammers have accepted the initial bid of of £5m from the Championship team, the same side Downing started his career at.
The English international is poised to sign a five-year-deal under Aitor Karanka, the man who led Boro to the play-off final last season, losing to Norwich at Wembley.
Boro’s final stage of pre-season camp is in Marbella, and it is still uncertain as to whether or not Downing will travel with the squad. Or, he may wait at Rockliffe Hall for his new team-mates, ahead of their arrival.
A number of Premier League sides, including Sunderland and Leicester City, have both been rejected by the West Ham winger as he looks to return home
Before leaving, the 30-year-old made 234 appearances for the senior team, and won himself 35 caps in England colours.
It was much earlier in the summer when Downing was told he could leave West Ham, and has been training on his own as he was left out of Bilic’s squad for a number of their pre-season fixtures.
However, with the arrival of Italian Manuel Lanzini imminent, the process of Downing’s departure will start to move swiftly.
