Though it’s true Downing hasn’t justified the £20m West Ham paid for his services it’s fair to say that the attacker made an impact last term, netting six goals and providing eight assists for the Hammers. Reports in the Daily Mail claimed that Downing was subject of a £6m bid over the weekend from Sunderland, but it seems they have competition from their local rivals, Newcastle.
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Downing began his career at the Boro and scored 22 goals in 234 appearances for his hometown club, although he did spend seven games on loan at Sunderland in 2003-04, where he netted three times.
He has since played at Aston Villa, before making a £20 million move to Liverpool and most recently West Ham United.
Downing converted 14.6% of his chances in the top flight last season and did do well for the Hammers as he seemed to settle into a new role in Sam Allardyce’s side, playing in a central position in attacking midfield for much of the campaign.
It’s not been an easy ride at times for Downing but he has shown he has the character to battle it out with the best and has reinvented himself with the Hammers.
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The latest suggestions are that the Foxes are among a group of sides interested, with Sunderland, Swansea, Newcastle and Stoke also linked, as boss Nigel Pearson looks to add to his options at the King Power Stadium ahead of next season. The opinions expressed belong to the author and are not necessarily shared by Metro.
