Stewart Downing is on a collision course with Middlesbrough as he tries to leave the club this month, even though they are willing to let him go out on loan.

Downing has been told by Aitor Karanka that he can go on loan until the end of the season, but only if he agrees to sign for a Championship club.

However, the former England international is convinced he is still good enough to play in the top flight and wants a move to Palace. The 32-year-old played for Palace manager Sam Allardyce when he was at West Ham and a deal would be relatively simple to agree.

Boro, though, are understandably wary of allowing Downing to join anyone who is also involved in a relegation battle and Palace are directly below the Teessiders in the table.