Midfielder Stewart Downing is set to rejoin Blackburn Rovers at the start of next week, a report from the Lancashire Telegraph has claimed.

Downing is currently a free agent following his departure from Ewood Park at the end of last season, with the former England international initially not signing the new contract he was offered when his original deal expired earlier in the summer.

That had led to Rovers withdrawing the offer last month, due to the need to turn funds towards other areas of recruitment during the summer transfer window, although it now looks as though a return to Ewood Park could be on the cards for Downing.

According to the latest reports, Rovers do have the finances available to fund a new deal for Downing until the end of the current season, despite signing new fewer than four players on Friday's transfer deadline day, and would like to bring him back to the club for the coming campaign.

It is thought that Downing himself is keen to return to the club, and as such a deal is likely to be completed early next week, with a Tuesday deadline for clubs to submit their squad lists for the rest of the league campaign.

Having joined Blackburn following his release from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2019, Downing enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Ewood Park.

The 36-year-old scored three goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions for Tony Mowbray's side last season, finishing second to free-scoring Adam Armstrong in Rovers' 2019/20 Player of the Year voting.

The Verdict

This could be a really good late summer deal for Rovers.

Downing was hugely impressive for the Lancashire club last season, and having endeared himself to the fanbase with his performances, will surely be welcomed back with open arms by those of a Rovers persuasion.

Indeed, with a number of young players in their squad, including Harvey Elliott on loan from Downing's former club Liverpool, bringing someone with his experience back to the club could certainly to be useful as well.

Add to that the fact that Downing's versatility means he can cover for Rovers in a number of positions, and this could be a really smart move for Blackburn as they look to push for promotion this season.