Sam Allardyce looks set to be reunited with the former England winger.
Crystal Palace have emerged as front runners to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. Reports suggest the South London club are keen to negotiate a permanent transfer for the 32-year-old.
Palace manager Sam Allardyce worked with the player for two seasons at his old club West Ham after signing him from Liverpool in the summer of 2013 for £5m and is said to remain a big fan of the former England midfielder.
Downing has attracted interest from a number of clubs in the Championship and abroad but it appears Palace are now in the driving seat with bookies now as short as 2/7 for the Boro man to make the move to Selhurst Park.
