Speculation continues to grow that West Ham United winger Stewart Downing could be on his way out of Upton Park with former club Middlesbrough linked.

Despite a run of strong performances last season, which even prompted an England recall, Downing has been linked with a move back home to his first ever club Middlesbrough, as well as Sunderland, where he once spent time on loan.

The Press Association is reporting Downing would not say no to a move to Teesside should new manager Slaven Bilic see him as surplus to requirements.

Downing’s place in the team has come under threat since the signing of French attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet from Marseille.