Rangers are among a number of clubs chasing the capture of 35-cap England international Stewart Downing after he left Middlesbrough at the end of his contract, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
The broadcast reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the Ibrox side are joined by Championship clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers in pursuing the 34-year-old, who is a free agent following his departure from the Riverside Stadium.
Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday & Blackburn are all showing an interest in Stewart Downing. The former England international is a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) May 28, 2019
The winger played 40 times for Boro in the season just gone, 38 of those coming in the Championship, with just two goals and a single assist to his name.
Opinion
With Jermain Defoe already at Ibrox, it is easy to understand why Steven Gerrard might be keen on snapping up Downing. The experience on offer is second to none for a free transfer and while he might not have had a blistering season with Middlesbrough, he would be a cut above the majority of Scotland. Yes, he is not getting any younger and is hardly a long term option for Gerrard but the impact he could have on the youngsters in Glasgow could help them and their development. There are a lot of wingers already at the club and so it would no doubt require at least one exit for this move to take place but it shows the ambition that Gerrard has to take Rangers to the next level. Could Downing be a game changer for the Light Blues? On his day he would waltz through opposition defences – just how often can he produce those moments of magic?