STEWART Downing has emerged as the preferred choice to solve Rafa Benitez's need for more width and will be the subject of a �12m bid by Liverpool at the end of the season.

STEWART Downing has emerged as the preferred choice to solve Rafa Benitez's need for more width and will be the subject of a �12m bid by Liverpool at the end of the season. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham's Aaron Lennon was also in the frame, but Benitez has switched focus to the left flank and Middlesbrough winger Downing, after being impressed by Dirk Kuyt's impact on the right this season.

Benitez said: “Someone called him Mr Duracell, and that is a good description for him, because he is like the bunny in the advert. He is always on the go, always running.”