A Game For A Hero - Downing Flops Again!
Last updated : 12 May 2009 By Boro Mad
But will they be interested after he again looked no better (slightly worse) than any other player on the St James' Park pitch last night?
He was sent to torment winger Damien Duff, who was out of position at left-back, but there was only one winner all evening ... and it sure as hell wasn't Downing!
Daily Mail claim a bid of £12 million will be offered, as Benitez looks to add greater width to his side.
The newspaper suggests the Spaniard had been monitoring the rapid progress of Tottenham's Aaron Lennon, but has been dissuaded from making an offer due to the outstanding form of Dutchman Dirk Kuyt.
Middlesbrough's situation at the foot of the premier league showed little signs of improving after their 3-1 defeat against Newcastle, and Benitez will further compound their situation by pouncing on their priced asset.
Downing has made it clear he will leave the club, regardless of whether they stay in the premier league, sighting next year's World Cup as his reasoning.
