The latest player linked with Newcastle United is former Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing, who The Star claim the Magpies will make a bid for. Sunderland are also interested in luring the player back to the North East from east London - but reportedly their Tyneside rivals will look to beat them to it. Downing enjoyed a revival under Sam Allardyce last season but he is not believed to be in new boss Slavan Bilic's plans.