CRYSTAL PALACE are leading the race to sign Stewart Downing on loan, with the Middlesbrough midfielder having been told he is free to leave the Riverside on a temporary basis this month.

Downing, who was a second-half substitute in yesterday’s FA Cup third-round win over Sheffield Wednesday, will leave Teesside after dropping down the pecking order in the first half of the season.

His availability has attracted the attention of a number of sides, with Newcastle United having expressed a potential interest as they look to add to their options in the wide positions.

However, Palace have made the strongest moves at this stage, with Downing keen to remain in the top-flight.

Palace boss Sam Allardyce worked with Downing at West Ham, and remains a huge fan of the former England international, having successfully played him in a central-midfield role at Upton Park.

The former Sunderland and England boss has been told he has the funds to make changes this month, with Palace currently just one place above the relegation zone, and will attempt to push through a deal for Downing before the weekend.

That could potentially result in the 32-year-old midfielder making his Palace debut in Saturday’s crucial relegation clash at West Ham.

Boro have reservations about allowing Downing to join one of their relegation rivals, but the midfielder's determination to remain in the top-flight means they might not have another option if they are determined to see him move elsewhere.

There have also been a number of inquiries from abroad, but that is not understood to be a preferred option at this stage.

Downing will not be leaving Boro on a permanent basis, and is contracted at the Riverside until the summer of 2019.

HOW ECHO READERS HAVE REACTED TO THE NEWS ON FACEBOOK:

Mark Bennett: I don't wanna see him leave I still think he can do well at Boro

Dennis Kneeshaw: Past his best and doesnt get beyond defenders enough now too many sideways passes, good luck to the lad if he goes though.

Sandra Beadle: Aw thats sad, but he isnt as sharp as he used to be, we got the best of him and Grants free kick yesterday i named a stewie downing special, i have seen stewie do a few of those goals in the past in a boro shirt, good luck Stewie downing.

Mark Davies: Wouldn't want him going to another Prem club where he could potentially do us harm.

Jason Maxwell: I wouldnt let hi go to palace they in same struggle we are. Sam might get best out of him like he did at West Ham

Val Clingo: He could still play a part in central sad to see him go good luck was always a boro lad

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