Monday, June 15, 2009

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing Puts Hopes On Loan Move


Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing has asked the club for a year's loan, with a view to making a permanent move away from the Riverside next summer, according to The News of the World.

The England international is currently recovering from a foot injury, but is still set to be out of action for at least six months.

This has ruined his chances of a summer move from the relegated club, but he is hopeful they can reach an agreement for a year's loan.

This would help the north east club as it would ease their wage bill as he recovers from the injury.

A deal is then reportedly wanted by Downing for him to move to a bigger club, with a fee thought to be in the region of £12 million.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur for the last couple of years, and it looked as though this transfer would actually go through in January, when Downing handed in a transfer request, which was refused by the club.

Boro were relegated on the final day of the season, leading to rumours of a quick fire sale of their top stars, but so far, no offers have yet come in, but Downing does still want a move away from the Riverside.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is also thought to be a big admirer of the English winger, and a bidding war, possibly in January of next year, could well take place.

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