Newcastle Transfer News: Steve McClaren Decides Against Reunion With England Midfielder

Newcastle United will resist the temptation to sign Stewart Downing from West Ham United this summer as they instead concentrate on other targets. Also linked with a return to boyhood club Middlesbrough as well as Sunderland in recent days, plus he Magpies, The Chronicle state that Steve McClaren will not bid for Downing, in spite of being offered the midfielder by the Hammers. McClaren nurtured Downing through the Middlesbrough youth ranks and the now 30-year-old won the 2004 League Cup with the Boro and played in their 2006 UEFA Cup final loss to Sevilla - and the Magpies would need to pay between £5 million and £7 million to secure the 35-cap England international€™s signature. This is something they are not prepared to do

Incredibly, Downing created 84 chances for his Hammers teammates last season - with only Eden Hazard (99), David Silva (91) and Cesc Fabregas (91) producing a greater number in the entirety of the Premier League. In fact, Downing created a greater number of chances than Raheem Sterling (75) - who could well move to Manchester City for £50 million this summer - and Mesut Ozil (70), who was Arsenal€™s record signing at £42.5 million. Downing began his career at the Boro and scored 22 goals in 234 appearances for his hometown club, although he did spend seven games on loan at Sunderland in 2003-04, where he netted three times. After moving to Aston Villa for £10 million in 2009, Downing scored 11 times in 79 appearances before Liverpool paid £20 million for his services in 2011. Downing struggled to adapt to life at Anfield, however, and just seven goals arrived in 91 appearances before the Hammers parted with £5 million to bring him to Upton Park in August 2013. In 74 West Ham appearances, Downing has netted on seven occasions - including six in 36 last season. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.