Sunderland Set To Sign Downing

Sunderland are set to launch a £15million bid for Middlesbrough FC midfielder Stewart Downing.

Sunderland have being given a £50 million transfer kitty from new American owner Ellis Short.

Steve Bruce is understood to be monitoring the progress of Stewart Downing and is ready to launch a £15 million bid for the England international.

Steve Gibson has admitted that Boro won’t stand in the way of Downing if they receive the right offer.

Downing was sent out on loan to Sunderland in 2003 to gain experience. He made 7 appearances and scored 3 goals for the Black Cats.

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Downing has played 180 times for Middlesbrough FC, scoring 17 goals.