Stewart Downing has not ruled out a return to Middlesbrough in the summer, The Teesside Gazette have reported.

The winger was told he would not be offered a new contract following the expiry of his deal with the club at the end of last season, and has reportedly held talks with 'Boro's Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers about a potential move to Ewood Park.

Despite that, it appears that Downing still feels there is a possibility of re-signing for Middlesbrough in the summer, and the fact that Downing's friend Jonathan Woodgate is expected to step into the dugout at the Riverside Stadium could suggest that there is still hope of a future at the club for Downing.

Given that Downing has a young family settled in Teesside, it is thought that the 34-year-old will not want to move somewhere too far away and uproot his family for the sake of a short term deal.

Scottish side Rangers and League One Sunderland are also thought to be interested in the winger, with Sunderland's proximity to Middlesbrough meaning they could be an option if he does not sign a new deal with 'Boro.

Downing spent 12 years with Middlesbrough over two spells at The Riverside Stadium, making over 400 appearances in all competitions for the club.

The verdict

This feels like a blow to Blackburn's hopes of signing Downing.

It feels as though staying in Middlesbrough, or as close to there as possible, is Downing's preferred option, which you can understand given his personal situation.

This is also a reminder of the risks of making decisions without a manager in place, because while 'Boro may get to bring Downing back this time if they want to following Woodgate or someone else's appointment, they may not always get the chance to do that.