Report: Newcastle United target Stewart Downing deal

Newcastle United are in talks with West Ham United to sign winger Stewart Downing, according to reports.

The former England international has been heavily linked with a return to his native North East, but Sunderland were thought to be leading the chase and reportedly had a £5m bid rejected.

However, The Express claims that West Ham want a fee of at least £7m for the 30-year-old, and Newcastle have been attracted to a possible deal.

The report suggests that new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is keen to offload the winger, despite an impressive campign last season which saw him register six goals and eight assists.

Downing joined West Ham from Liverpool in 2013.