A host of clubs are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United winger Stewart Downing, who has become surplus to requirements at Upton Park.

Sunderland and Middlesbrough were originally linked with a move for Downing by the Evening Chronicle and the Evening Gazette, but now Newcastle United, Leicester City, Stoke City and Swansea City are being touted as possible destinations.

Middlesbrough holds obvious attraction for Downing, being the club at which he began his career and made his name earlier in his career.

And Downing also has previous with Sunderland, having spent time on loan with the Black Cats in 2003, scoring three times in seven outings.

Another option in the north east is Steve McClaren’s Newcastle United. It was under the new Magpies boss Downing began his professional career whilst with Boro.