Brighton lead the race for former England midfielder

Brighton and Hove Albion are leading the race to sign former England international Stewart Downing on a free transfer from recently relegated Middlesbrough. 

Garry Monk was recently appointed as manager at the Riverside and is in the process of rebuilding the squad in an attempt to secure an instant return to the Premier League. 

The Sun reports that Monk and Downing have mutually decided that it is time for him to leave the club and he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer, despite having two years remaining on his contract. 

Downing first emerged on the scene as a product of the Middlesbrough youth academy. After moving on, he returned for a second spell at the club in 2015 following a £7 million move from West Ham. 

Middlesbrough fans were happy to see Downing back at the club but he has fallen out of favour during the course of last season, seeing his playing time reduced. 

There is reportedly interest from numerous MLS teams and also Championship play-off winners Huddersfield Town, although Brighton and Hove Albion are believed to be the favourites to complete the deal at this time.