Shay Given: Set to complete Middlesbrough return

Middlesbrough are hoping to complete the permanent signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on Wednesday.

Republic of Ireland international Given, 39, is set to be released from the final year of his contract at Villa Park to move back to the Riverside Stadium, where he spent three months on loan during the 2013-14 season.

Boro boss Aitor Karanka was hugely impressed with the vastly experienced keeper during his time on Teesside, and is keen to hand him a role in another push for promotion to the Premier League after finishing play-off runners-up to Norwich City.

Given, who has been working towards his coaching qualifications, would provide stiff competition for current keepers Dimi Konstantopoulos, Tomas Mejias and Connor Ripley, although it is unlikely that Karanka would retain all four players.

Given, who has also played in the north-east for Newcastle and Sunderland, made just 10 appearances for Villa last season, seven of them in the domestic cup competitions including the FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal in May.

But he has re-established himself as Ireland's number one in recent months and earned his 130th senior cap against Scotland last month after initially retiring from international football following the 2012 European Championship finals.

Stewart Downing: Started out at Middlesbrough before moving to Liverpool in 2011

Meanwhile, Boro remain hopeful of striking a deal to bring West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing back to his home-town club, according to Sky sources.

The 30-year-old, who is also in Sunderland's sights, is understood to be keen on the move, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Hammers.