Two years ago, the Reds signed Downing from Aston Villa for £20m. Late last year, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warned Downing that if his performances didn’t improve, he would be sold in the January transfer window.
Rodgers’ words were the incentive that Downing needed to show a marked improvement in his performances. But despite the progress, Liverpool are likely to part ways with the English winger.
Newcastle United have asked Liverpool if Downing is for sale. Now the ball is in Downing’s court to decide whether he’d be interested in moving to the north east.