Newcastle United decide against making move for West Ham's Stewart Downing?

Newcastle United have reportedly decided against launching a bid for West Ham United winger Stewart Downing, despite rumours suggesting otherwise.

The Magpies were thought to be considering a move for the former Liverpool and Aston Villa player, who is being offered around several Premier League clubs.

However, according to The Chronicle, at 30 years old, Downing does not fit in with Newcastle's transfer model and the North-East outfit are said to be targeting players from France's Ligue 1 and the Dutch Eredivisie.

Sunderland and Stoke City have been linked to Downing, while the player's boyhood club Middlesbrough are also thought to be interested.