Middlesbrough hope to complete the signing of Stewart Downing this week.
The Hammers have made it clear via ClaretandHugh that they want to bring in players before allowing Downing to move on but Boro believe they have got their man.
And his absence from the squad at Peterborough yesterday and any Europa Cup action suggests he could be on his way quickly
Sunderland are still hoping they can tempt the player to opt for the Stadium of Light but we have been told a Riverside move is the more likely option.
We understand that a fee of between £5m-£6m is likely to involved for a player who is one of the highest earners at Upton Park.
He is believed to earn the same £50,000 per week basic wage plus bonuses which totals round around £2.4 million a year.
The Hammers are believed to be keeping an eye on Everton’s Kevin Miralles as a possible replacement for Downing.
Let the guy go,he clearly wants to move back to the north-east or Boro.If he is willing to drop into the championship then he either really wants to be there or has a serious lack of ambition even at 30.We seem to be getting a good deal for him so let him bugger off home to be the big fish in the smoggies pond.
I don’t think it’s a lack of ambition just think he believes he is no longer a winger and wants to play a free role. If he wants to return to the north east so be it but he’s 30 had some good spells but also had some shockers, 6 million for a player that flatters to deceive is great business especially as he stated he no longer wants to play in the position he was bought for
I would be disappointed to see Downing leave but I also understand why he wants to leave. I wish him all the best but we need a left sided player of quality now. These are difficult to find – I personally like Salah as he could also play behind the main striker so could fulfil two roles. In an ideal word I would like Salah and that fellow John from Benfica.
Represents a good deal 6 million fee and 50k off the wage bill, Mirrales a good rumour but that’s all it is wouldn’t mind us investing the money in Demari Gray at Birmingham a kid with fantastic potential
Sounds a done deal so we move on,Mirallas seems a bit troublesome to me and seemed to be on the bench quite a lot for the scousers so wouldn’t be my choice but then again I’m the one writing on here and not reading comments on what Slav thinks about me lol
Just seen the goals from yesterday great to see Slav and Dicksy on the bench,nice finishes from Nobes and the junior Viking and great seeing Diafra doing the crossed hammers celebration.
Haha,i think maybe Slav just didnt want to be rude not mentioning him after he had just captained for the day,lol.Im right up for throwing Nolan in with the Downing deal.Shame it wont happen,but there must be someone in the footballing world wants him isnt there 😉
Slav did mention that he wants goals from midfield as well & even mentioned Kev in thet sectence.. very worrying. Just imagine it, Nolan in midfield playing off AC knock downs still searching for that 100th prem goal…. aaahhhhhhhhh Nooooòooooo…!!!! Give him to M’boro as part of the Downing deal, buy one get a t##t free….
Never been a big fan of Downing i must admit,if we can get 6 million for him take it.
Nolan was captain yesterday,maybe he is a big part of Slavs plans,lol,sh*t what a nightmare that would be 😀
Miralles for Downing good swap if we can get him for the same price but could do with lower wages,
Agree we need to move Nolan on quick,he has been a good servant let him go for nothing,
5-6m good dough for Downing,he will be worthless in a couple of years.If we get a tasty younger player in then its good business 😉
would have preferred if it was Nolan moving on…lets sort that replacement, whatever happened to the alen halilovic rumour?
It was probably exactly whay you just called it,a rumour & nothing more 😉
Yeah with the penalty he insisted on taking in the cup i think,then he missed it,lol 😉
thats right and then he was dropped …
I like Miralles, but didnt he caucse some sort of trouble last year at Everton !!
Taxi for Mr Downing!!!!
Yes Bill another of the hippo fan club.Thanks for the memories and money.