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West Ham considering Downing bid

Stewart Downing has endured mixed form since signing for Liverpool in 2011 © PA Photos

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West Ham are weighing up a move for Liverpool winger Stewart Downing, a source has told ESPN.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce is shaping up his squad for the new campaign and is considering Downing, 28, as an option, although no bid has yet been made.

The England international has had a difficult time at Anfield since arriving from Aston Villa for £20 million in 2011, but did manage to improve over the second half of last season.

It is unlikely, though, that the Reds would recoup anything like that fee if they were to agree to a sale.

Allardyce is looking at the possibility of reuniting Downing with Andy Carroll, who completed a permanent move from Liverpool to West Ham on June 19, in a deal worth an initial £15.5 million.

Downing failed to score or provide a single assist in the Premier League during his first season at Anfield, while he then had a tough start to his second campaign, following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers to replace Kenny Dalglish as manager.

The winger frequently found himself playing out of position at left-back, and also had his attitude questioned publicly by Rodgers in the early weeks of the season.

Downing was linked with a November loan move to Championship side Middlesbrough - his first club - and was told by the Reds boss that he was free to leave.

However, the former Villa man responded with greatly improved displays, earning praise from his manager in the process. He scored his first league goal for Liverpool against Fulham on December 22 and won back a regular place on the wing.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.