Birmingham City target Stewart Downing has been forced to train with the Middlesbrough under 23 squad as he continues to wait to complete his move to St Andrew's, according to local media outlet The Gazette.

Stewart Downing was expected to complete a swift departure from Middlesbrough but terms of his transfer are still being discussed with Birmingham City, according to a previous report by The Gazette.

As his transfer continues to stall, Downing has been told that he will not be considered for selection by Garry Monk and Middlesbrough have told him to train with the club's youth side to maintain his fitness ahead of a move away.

With two years left on his contract, Birmingham City are trying to negotiate a deal for the 35-cap former England international to make the switch to the West Midlands.

The 33-year-old was told that he was free to leave at the start of the transfer window as he couldn't be guaranteed a regular starting spot at Boro.

Although Downing didn't want to leave, he accepted the decision but now he finds himself frozen out as he searches for playing time.

While Birmingham City are able to snap him up on a free transfer, personal terms remain the stumbling block.

In a successful career, Downing has played for Aston Villa, Liverpool and West Ham United in between his two spells at hometown club Middlesbrough.

The Verdict

You have to feel sorry for Stewart Downing here; he is being forced away from his hometown club against his will and is now being told that he won't be selected when he has done nothing wrong.

His wife is expecting their second child and he is reluctantly training with Boro's under-23 side to keep his fitness levels up.

Birmingham is a good destination for him if they he can thrash out personal terms with Harry Redknapp's side.

Boro fans - what do you make of this situation? Let us know below...