West Ham set to land £6m Liverpool midfielder Downing

West Ham could be on the verge of landing England international Stewart Downing, reports The Telegraph.

A move for the former Middlesbrough winger had looked on the cards several weeks ago before the player dismissed the transfer, but the Hammers are now keen to get the deal done with Downing thought to be more receptive to the move.

The Londoners have lodged a bid of £5m for the 29-year-old, but Liverpool are keen to see this rise to closer to £6m before they will agree to sell. However, talks are thought to be at an advanced stage, and despite the player previously rejecting Sam Allardyce’s attempts to lure him to Upton Park, there is now thought to be potential for the move to be made.

Downing began his career at his hometown club Middlesbrough, making 181 appearances and scoring 17 goals during his eight year stay at the club. He briefly joined north east rivals Sunderland on loan in 2003, and made seven appearances for the Black Cats, scoring three goals. He then moved to Aston Villa for around £10m in 2009, before moving to Anfield for around £20m in 2011, where he has made 65 appearances, netting three goals.

Newcastle are thought to be keen to give Downing a route back to the north east, but only want the player on loan and are believed to be unwilling to match Liverpool’s valuation for the player, meaning a move to the capital appears much more likely at this stage.