The winger's contract expires at the end of the season, and with regular first-team action not currently available at the Riverside, Downing is believed to want to leave the North-East club when his deal comes to an end in May. Fulham and Blackburn are both believed to be chasing the 19-year-old, but no club has confirmed their interest in the player.

Downing signed professional terms with Middlesbrough in April 2002, but has not broken into the first-team and has registered only 22 league and major cup appearances for the League Cup winners, scoring one goal. The English youth international spent a successful loan spell at Mick McCarthy's Sunderland earlier in the season, netting an impressive 3 goals in 7 appearances, which confirmed the potential the player has.

"After ongoing discussions, Stewart has decided that he will wait until the summer and then use the freedom of his contract." said Dawning's agent, Ian Elliot.

"It has to be made clear that this decision has nothing to do with money and is in no way financial. It has become apparent that Stewart is down the pecking order at the club and that is the reason for his thinking.

"He is at a point in his career where he needs first-team football if he is to develop in the best possible way. Nothing has been decided yet and it is not taken that he will definitely be leaving Middlesbrough, but he is going to give himself chance to consider what is best for him."

Elliot's words would suggest that a move to Old Trafford isn't that likely, as I'd imagine first-team football would be hard to find at United for Downing. Give your thoughts on the link on the ManUtdWeb messageboard.

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