Sunderland manager Jack Ross will be working hard to re-shape his squad over the summer on the back of the Black Cats' failure to gain promotion to the Championship, following play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic.

As Ross looks to freshen up his squad, a move for Middlesbrough veteran winger Stewart Downing looks to be on the cards, with the 34-year-old's current Boro contract due to expire at the end of June, as reported on Gazette Live.

So with a number of clubs interested in signing Downing, should Sunderland look to push the deal through? Can you see this happening?

We discuss........

Ben Lang

"I can't see this one going through.

"I think Downing would prefer a move to a higher-placed club, while the rivalry between the clubs also makes this hard to believe.

"Downing is not as mobile as he once was, but he is till good enough to play in the Championship and should be aiming for this."

Kealan Hughes

"Absolutely, he is a north-east boy and the appeal of him staying the area cannot be underestimated, particularly when you consider the stage he's at in his career.

"Additonally, the prospect of helping a huge club back up into the Championship may be difficult to turn down. He would also fair better playing in the third-tier and could thrive under the responsibility of being a senior player.

"It would be a nice chapter to close his career if he achieved promotion with them, after all promotion is what all players are after."

Louie Chandler

"I don't see why not.

"Sunderland are no strangers to signing an experienced player - such as Grant Leadbitter - so I see no reason they could not tempt him there.

"Having been in the North East for so long as well Downing may want to stay in the area."

Gary Hutchinson

“I hope not, seriously.

“I can’t see what he brings to them that they don’t already have.

“They have aging forwards in McGeady and Maguire and don’t need another one.

“If there are bigger clubs in for him, I can’t see him dropping into League One either.”

Jacob Potter

"They’ve certainly got a chance.

"Sunderland might be in the lower divisions compared to some of the other teams after Downing, but Sunderland are a huge club, it’s as simple as that.

"They’re a club with ambition, and I firmly believe that they have a strong chance in signing him before the start of next season."