Stewart Downing has undertaken a medical as he looks to complete a transfer back to Middlesbrough Stewart Downing has undertaken a medical as he looks to complete a transfer back to Middlesbrough

Stewart Downing has arrived back on his native Teesside as he prepares to rejoin former club Middlesbrough.

The 30-year-old, who made 37 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League last season, returned north for a medical with the Championship side after being left out of the Hammers’ Europa League squad to face Birkirkara.

Downing, capped 35 times for England, began his career with his home-town club before earning a £12m move to Aston Villa in July 2009. He then swapped life in the Midlands for Liverpool, who paid £20m for his services two years later.

The midfielder enjoyed a resurgence in form after heading to West Ham for £5m in August 2013, but appears not to be part of new manager Slaven Bilic's plans.

Stewart Downing during his first spell at Middlesbrough in 2009

He is one of two likely arrivals at Boro after they also agreed a fee to sign Uruguay international striker Cristhian Stuani from Espanyol.

The 28-year-old, who scored 16 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions last season, is set to join for a reported £2.8m, with half of the fee going to his former club Reggina.

A statement from Espanyol read: "The Uruguay striker will join Middlesbrough once he passes a medical and signs his contract with the English club.”