Sunderland could take advantage of Middlesbrough winger's bizarre contract situation

The Northern Echo claim the Black Cats are considering a summer move should the club win promotion from League One but if they did would face fierce competition from Scottish giants Rangers.

A host of other clubs in England are monitoring the former England midfielder's situation plus there is long-standing interest from the MLS.

Downing could leave the Riverside this summer as a result of a bizarre contract situation.

Ex England and Liverpool winger Downing has not started a game for promotion-chasing Middlesbrough since December 29.

That appearance was his 22nd league start of the campaign and another would trigger an automatic contract extension.

As a result Boro boss Tony Pulis has been told not to start him in games, with Downing on large wages and Boro wary of over-committing financially should they not win promotion back to the top flight this summer.

Rangers, also said to be monitoring his situation, are managed by former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.