Sunderland have maintained interest in Stewart Downing despite having a £5million bid rejected by West Ham United.

The Chronicle claims that the Black Cats are poised to make a return offer of £7m for the 30-year old winger who spent time on loan at the Stadium of Light back in 2003.

With the Hammers set to complete a £10.7m deal for Marseille attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet, Downing ould be let go this summer and Dick Advocaat is keen to lure him back to Wearside.