You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Liverpool FC are prepared to off-load Stewart Downing at a massive loss with Newcastle United having been told they can sign him for a cut-price £5million.

The winger's representatives have been contacted by the North East outfit to confirm their interest and find out whether he would be keen on a move to St James' Park.

Downing, who cost the Reds £20million from Aston Villa two years ago, has asked for some time to consider his options.

Stewart Downing's time at Liverpool in pictures

The 29-year-old had no intention of leaving Anfield after being reassured by Brendan Rodgers earlier in pre-season that he remained part of his plans.

However, he now intends to hold talks over his future after learning of Liverpool's willingness to sell him on.

Downing played in Liverpool's opening three friendlies against Preston, Indonesia and Melbourne Victory but has been an unused substitute in the past two games against Thailand and Olympiacos.

Philippe Coutinho, Iago Aspas, Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe have all been selected ahead of him in the wide attacking roles.

Downing, who was the subject of interest from West Ham last month, wants to stay put and fight for his place. However, if he's informed he's not going to feature then he will reluctantly agree to a transfer.

Having battled so hard to establish himself as a first-team regular in the second half of last season, the England international doesn't want to go back to life warming the bench.

Downing, who has two years left on his contract, was told by Rodgers last November he could leave in the January transfer window but responded by kick-starting his Anfield career and played a key role in Liverpool's revival.

“I feel settled now,” he said recently. “The first year at Liverpool was difficult but once I established myself in the team last season I really enjoyed it.

“That's why I don't want to leave. If you are playing with good players in a good team then you don't want to lose that.”

Newcastle are signing Loic Remy on a season-long loan from QPR and hope to further boost their strikeforce with a deal for Aston Villa's Darren Bent. Toon boss Alan Pardew wants Downing to provide the service for them.

Downing, who grew up in the North East and started his career at Middlesbrough, will be part of the Liverpool squad who fly to Norway today. Rodgers' side face Valerenga in Oslo tomorrow night.