Crystal Palace are moving for Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing.

The Sun says Sam Allardyce is plotting a reunion with his former West Ham playmaker to help inject fresh attacking impetus into his struggling Eagles side.

The 32-year-old is rated highly by Big Sam and has emerged as one of his top targets after being made available by Boro boss Aitor Karanka.

Ex-England star Downing is also being chased by sides in America and China, although he has ruled out any potential move to the Championship.

He produced some of the best form in his career under Allardyce two seasons ago, leading to an international recall in 2014.