Rangers should be embarrassed if Sunderland beat them to Stewart Downing

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Reports emerged over the weekend that Rangers are interested in signing Middlesbrough veteran Stewart Downing in a move that would see the winger reunited with ex-Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. But the Teddy Bears could be embarrassed in their pursuit of Downing.

The Northern Echo have claimed that Rangers are interested in signing the 34-year-old. Downing played alongside Gerrard for two years at Liverpool between 2011 and 2013, before leaving to join Aston Villa.

The left-footed wide man is in the final months of his contract at Middlesbrough. He has been a regular part of Tony Pulis’ side, clocking up 30 Championship appearances. But a new deal seems unlikely.

Rangers have taken advantage of the free agent market under Gerrard’s reign. Gareth McAuley joined in September, after Jon Flanagan did in the summer. Jordan Jones and Glen Kamara signed pre-contracts, before Kamara joined immediately.

But the Gers could be left red-faced in their pursuit of Downing.

That is because the Northern Echo report Sunderland are also interested in the winger. The Black Cats are in the third tier of English football, and the report has suggested that Downing would rather Sunderland than Rangers.

It states that family reasons are why Downing would rather Sunderland than Rangers. But for the Gers to fail in pursuit of a player to a side in League One is somewhat embarrassing for a club of its stature.

Whether Downing would improve Rangers is another question. But if they are to challenge Sunderland for Downing’s signature – and lose – then it would be seriously embarrassing for Gerrard’s side.