Report: West Ham United's Stewart Downing on verge of Middlesbrough return

West Ham United's Stewart Downing has reportedly edged closer to rejoining former club Middlesbrough.

The winger, who left Boro for Aston Villa six years ago, scored six goals and started all but one of West Ham's Premier League games last season, but reportedly wants to return North to Teesside.

Earlier this month, Boro boss Aitor Karanka said that it would be difficult to bring a player of Downing's calibre to the Championship, but now it appears that he will be returning to the Riverside.

According to The Gazette, the winger, who turns 31 next week, is travelling to Teesside today to negotiate his move back to Boro.

The England international will reportedly put pen to paper on a five-year contract.