Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has admitted Stewart Downing could be allowed to leave the club this month if all parties agree.

Karanka said: "I have said always that a player who wants to leave and Middlesbrough Football Club and another club agree the transfer...

"To find or to sell a player, to buy a player, to sign a player on loan, to bring in a player on loan from other places, all parties have to agree.

"If Stewart wants to leave and the clubs agree and everybody's happy, then yes, of course."

The 32 year old has been heavily linked with Boro's Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, where his former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is currently in charge.

Karanka added: "If the club thinks that it's good for the club, good for the player and good for the club, I can't say anything."