Transfer news: West Ham agree fee with Liverpool over transfer of Stewart Downing

Reds winger is close to a move to the Hammers after the east London side had a bid accepted for the 29-year-old

Stewart Downing of Liverpool celebrates after scoring against Spurs (GETTY IMAGES)

Stewart Downing is close to a move to West Ham after a fee was agreed with Liverpool, Press Association Sport understands.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield from Aston Villa in July 2011 and has made 91 appearances, scoring seven goals, for the Reds.

The England international has struggled to cement a place in the first team, particularly in his favoured forward position, and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has told the former Middlesbrough man he is free to leave.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will be hoping Downing can provide the crosses to help former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll thrive at Upton Park.

Liverpool have already seen a £20m loss on the sale of Carroll, who having joined from Newcastle for a British record of £35m, joined the Hammers for less than half that fee at £15m.

Allardyce was also keen on signing Werder Bremen winger Marko Arnautovic but it seems that move has stalled earlier this week, while he is also considering Porto’s Silvestre Varela and former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, who is currently in France with Ligue 1 club Lille.

St Etienne are hopeful on signing Hammers striker Modibo Maiga after talks broke down with former West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who has been training with Tottenham this week. A deal for Maiga would leave the east London club with just Carroll and Ricardo Vaz Te available up front.

PA