West Ham United have re-ignited their interest in Reds winger Stewart Downing and hope to tie up a deal for the England man early next week.
Downing snubbed the Hammers earlier this summer and after talk with Brendan Rodgers vowed to stay and fight for his place at Anfield. The situation changed last week when Newcastle made a loan approach that was immediately turned down by the club, although the Geordies were informed that a permanent deal was not out of the question should they make a suitable offer, believed to be around £6m.
Rodgers spoke publicly about how impressed he was with the winger's performance in midweek against Valeranga, and privately told the player he wants him to stay and be a part of the squad.
However, it's clear that Liverpool will do business for a reasonable price and the Hammers returned with a bid of £5m that was turned down on Friday. They are expected to return with an increased offer and then it will be up to the player to decide if he wants the move.
Downing, who joined the Reds for £20m from Aston Villa in 2011, is believed to want to stay at Anfield but is concerned that he may not get the playing time he wants and is not prepared to just sit on the sidelines and collect his money, especially in a World Cup year and with his England place under threat.
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