Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce is reportedly tracking Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing this summer but it’s said we will face competition from Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and even possibly Middlesbrough themselves depending on who replaces Tony Pulis. Rangers, the United States and Australia are all mentioned as potential destinations as well as he winds his career down.
The claim seems to come originally from The Northern Echo who reported the speculation earlier this week.
The 34-year-old is largely well loved at the Riverside Stadium given his two spells at the club and it was believed that Blackburn Rovers were the favourites for the former England man. His contract naturally expires this summer and so far fresh terms don’t appear to have been offered.
Game time was mixed really with 24 Championship starts, but his total appearances for 2018/19 numbered 39. The interesting twist here is with speculation linking Jonathan Woodgate with the potential manager position, speculation says Downing would be on board with a player/coach role as he looks towards hanging up his boots.
It would certainly be a bold name in terms of making a move for him, but I’m not sure there are many fans who will welcome this owing to previous issues with paying older players on one last contract kind of deals.
Downing hasn’t shone really for me in a while and his best days are long behind him.
