Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph, that his club has entered talks with Stewart Downing.
The England international, who turns 35 next month, is out of contract at Middlesbrough.
Back in March, Teeside Live reported interest from Steven Gerrard in his former Liverpool and international teammate. Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie then revived the link, but the apparent interest
didn’t go down well with Rangers fans.
Club insider, Four Lads Had A Dream, dismissed the rumour in a recent blog post.
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Yet, with the midfielder’s future still up in the air, his name was linked to Rangers again by the Daily Star at the beginning of the month.
Now, though, it looks like there’s finally some movement.
“There’s no offer, there’s been conversations,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph. “Stewart is an out of contact footballer. I’m relaxed and comfortable.”
“If Stewart Downing wants to come to Blackburn Rovers then I think he’s a very talented footballer. “If he wants to go to any of the other clubs that have been mentioned then that’s fine also, whether that’s to play more football or earn a few more quid. That would be no problem.”
Verdict
Mowbray isn’t exactly begging Downing to sign for his club. However, at least some form of talks have begun and many Bears will be relieved that no such discussions are said to be taking place with Rangers.
With over 400 Premier League appearances and 35 international caps, the Englishman was a quality player.
The general consensus is, though, that Rangers don’t need another veteran in the squad. Gerrard needs energy and players reaching the top of their game if the Gers are to clinch no.55 next season.
