Middlesbrough are keen to open swap talks with Manchester United over winger Stewart Downing.

The Sunday Mirror says Boro are ready to use Manchester United's interest in £15million-rated Downing to prise England duo Gary Neville and Paul Scholes away from Old Trafford.

Boro held preliminary negotiations with United about the veteran duo, but talks went on hold while the Ronaldo deal with Real Madrid was under way.

But with Riverside director Keith Lamb confirming 24-year-old England winger Downing can leave when he recovers from a foot injury there is room for Boro to manoeuvre over their Neville and Scholes bids.