Stewart Downing to spurn Sunderland in favour of Championship stay | OneFootball

Sunderland target Stewart Downing is set to turn them down in order to remain in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers.

The winger is available on a free transfer this summer after being released by hometown club Middlesbrough.

He had been heavily linked with a north east stay as Sunderland expressed their interest in signing him.

However, the Northern Echo report that Downing will reject the opportunity to return to the Stadium of Light.

He spent a brief spell on loan there in 2003 during the early days of his career.

But having received an offer to remain in the Championship with Blackburn, Downing has decided to opt against dropping to the third tier.

Sunderland remain keen on adding depth out wide due to Duncan Watmore’s injury issues and Lewis Morgan returning to Celtic after his loan spell.

Jon Taylor of Rotherham is reportedly another target for the Black Cats in that area.