MIDDLESBROUGH hope to conclude the signing of Stewart Downing before they fly to Marbella on Monday.

West Ham United have offered a little more encouragement to Boro in their bid to take the 30-year-old former Liverpool playmaker back to Teesside.

The Hammers indicated a willingness to let Downing head for the Riverside earlier this week but they were keen to recruit a replacement first.

West Ham are targeting numerous players in the hope of strengthening Slaven Bilic's squad and Downing's Upton Park exit has moved a step closer.

Sources close to West Ham suggest that they are almost ready to do business after further negotiations with Middlesbrough. The next 48 hours could be crucial.

Downing, who has two years on his contract remaining at West Ham, looks set  for a five year deal at Middlesbrough and he will cost in the region of £5m. 

Aitor Karanka, the Middlesbrough head coach, takes his squad to Spain on Monday for three friendlies.

He is keen to add experience before the start of the new season in August and tried to sign goalkeeper Shay Given, only to lose out to Stoke City because of geographical reasons.

Uruguayan striker Christian Stuani has also been mentioned, along with Ipswich striker Daryl Murphy who has been the subject of a £4.2m bid from Sheffield Wednesday.