Crystal Palace target Stewart Downing has been given the all-clear from Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka to leave the club this month.
The Spaniard, quoted by The Mirror, addressed the media ahead of his side’s clash against Watford tomorrow afternoon and spoke about Downing’s future at the Riverside.
If Stewart wants to leave, and all the clubs agree, then would I be happy (to let him go). Yes, of course. Whether it is selling a player, buying a player or bringing a player in on loan from another club, all the things have to fall into place.
I don’t want to think about what scenario is better or worse – Crystal Palace or a Championship team – because at the moment, I don’t know anything on that score. But I take every single decision here. I have all responsibilities.
Downing hasn’t been featuring as much as he would have liked this season, with Boro’s two summer signings Viktor Fischer and Adama Traore taking his place regularly out on the wing.
This has led to frustration from the former England international, who could now seek a move away from Boro this month in the pursuit of more regular first-team football.
The situation is that Stewart is training with us, and is a player who is available to play on Saturday.
I have always said that if a player wants to leave, and Middlesbrough and another club agree a transfer, then that is fine with me.
Sam Allardyce will be looking to strengthen his Crystal Palace side throughout the course of the month and he could look towards Downing for added inspiration for his survival push.
The wide man has represented Aston Villa, Liverpool and now Middlesbrough in the Premier League, so he’d certainly provide Palace with some much-needed experience.
