Middlesborough in for Downing?

Stewart Downing is keen on a loan move back to Middlesborough according to the Northern Echo.  

Downing has struggled since his £20 million move to Anfield.  With 2 league assists and no Premier League goals since his transfer it is safe to say that Downing hasn't been a hit.  In fact with his assists in the league coming at a shocking £10 million per assist it would seem that he has a long way to go to pay back his transfer fee.  It also seems that Brendan Rodgers doesn't have a place for him in his team plans with Downing only making one league start this season.

Downing, born in Middlesborough, came to prominence at the Riverside stadium during his eight years there.  He played 181 times for his local team and only moved on when they got relegated to the Championship.  If Middlesborough manager Tony Mowbray is going to make a move for Downing he'll have to do it quickly.  The Football League deadline for loan signings is on Thursday.

With Downing omitted from Roy Hodgon's most recent, experimental squad for the England friendly against Sweden he will be hoping that a move back to the north east will put him back in the frame to add to his 34 international caps.

Peter Stickney

Follow @peterstickney