Middlesbrough face battle to keep Downing out of Liverpool’s hands

The Sun reports that Liverpool are preparing a shock £10million bid to get Middlesbrough’s 23 year old England international, Stewart Downing.

Rafa Benitez wants a left-sided midfielder following Harry Kewell’s departure and has targeted Boro’s young star, Downing.

Since Fabio Capello took charge of England’s National team, the Italian boss has stated that he’s been most impressed by the abilities of the Middlesbrough FC left winger.

But Gareth Southgate wants to keep him, especially as Downing was handed a new five-year deal just five months ago.

Boro want to build a team around Downing, and aim to have James Harper and French midfielder Didier Digard alongside him next term.

[Source: The Sun]