If we can get £7m for Downing (more than what we paid for him), a 31 year old, I think it would be a great deal for us provided we have a replacement lined up. We need as many players as we can this season what with the Europa league, which has already started for us.
I thought he was really good, as the team were, in the first half of the season when he played more centrally and could get involved in the games. That coincided with his England recall. Then Allardyce brought back Nolan with Carroll and he was shoved out wide. I see him a bit of a flat track bully really, played well when we were on top but bottled it a bit and hid when we were not.
Still I think he'd be an excellent signing for you in the Championship and could be the difference in getting up or not. I guess then he'd seem like a bargain what with the riches the Premier League has on offer and from I gather he wants to go back to the North East. I'd expect this to happen.