Why Aston Villa should move for reportedly available midfielder from Championship rivals
COMMENT By Derek Smithson
Aston Villa should make a summer move for Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing, who has reportedly been told he can leave the Riverside Stadium.
Boro are undergoing huge changes this summer following their relegation to the Championship and have recently appointed Garry Monk as their new manager.
Sky Sports report that Monk has told Downing that he will not be involved in his first-team plans next season and can leave in the transfer window.
Villa should pounce at the opportunity to re-sign the 32-year-old from their Championship rivals and place an opening offer.
He previously enjoyed a two-year spell with the Midlands giants between 2009-11, before Liverpool splashed out £20million for his signature.
Downing is recognised for being a tricky left winger and he was unable to prevent Boro suffering relegation from the top flight last season, but did make 34 appearances across all competitions.
Villa managed Steve Bruce is in desperate need of some summer reinforcements in the wide positions, with the likes of Jordan Amavai and Leandro Bacuna being used on the wings last season.
Downing would be a great addition to the Villa squad and his top-flight experience would bring some extra quality.
The 35-time capped England international has spent the majority of his career in the Premier League, making 408 appearances during spells with Boro, West Ham, Liverpool and Villa.
He would surely be able to terrorise defences in the Championship still and the likes of Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan could thrive off his service.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, they are weighing up a move for an international defender.
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