Liverpool's Stewart Downing 'to join Middlesbrough on loan'

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing is reportedly closing in on a return to Middlesbrough on a loan agreement.

The former Aston Villa player has been linked with an exit from Anfield due to his failure to secure a regular first-team place in manager Brendan Rodgers's team.

It is understood that the Championship club have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old and could finalise a loan deal as early as this week, according to Sky Sports News.

Reports have claimed that a move was originally planned to be launched in the January window but due to a host of injuries, Boro have been prompted to capture Downing before the hectic festive schedule.