Newcaslte United could battle former manager Sam Allardyce in an attempt to bring Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to the club, according to the Daily Star.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa winger has reportedly been told he can leave the Riverside on loan until the summer after falling down the pecking order under Aitor Karanka.
After Rolando Aarons suffered a long-term injury and Christian Atsu departed for the African Cup of Nations, Toon boss Rafa Benitez is currently a little light in wide areas at St. James’ Park.
Only Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran are currently available in those berths and Downing impressed in the Championship for his boyhood side last season.
Still, Allardyce can offer him Premier League football at Crystal Palace and worked with the ex-England international at West Ham United.
Big Sam is said to be keen and the report further suggests that sources close to the 32-year-old say he would not consider a move back into the Championship, having spent a year in the second tier as Boro won promotion.
Would Downing really improve Newcastle? Let us know below…
