Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Sell Midfielder Stewart Downing to West Ham

Liverpool confirmed the departure of midfielder Stewart Downing, who's heading to West Ham United after two seasons with the Reds, according to the club's official site.

The Telegraph reports Downing agreed to a four-year deal with the Hammers. The official terms of the transfer fee were not released.

Downing appeared in 91 matches over the past two seasons for Liverpool. He scored seven goals including three Premier League goals last season after failing to net in his first season at Anfield.

The 29-year-old winger was clearly deemed expendable by the Reds' brass as Brendan Rodgers continues to revamp his squad. Moving to West Ham should allow the England international regular first-team football.

His new club passed along comments from their newest asset.

Downing won't have the luxury of making a slow transition to Upton Park. The new Premier League campaign opens up this weekend. The Hammers will meet Cardiff City at home, a good chance for the late addition to start his West Ham career with a victory.

As for matchups with Liverpool, Downing and West Ham will travel to Anfield for a clash on Dec. 7 and the two sides will play again in early April. There's always an extra motivation factor when going up against a former club.

He should be a welcome addition for a club that finished in the middle of the pack last season. He will provide experience and flexibility, as he's able to play pretty much anywhere on the left side.

Since he wasn't in the long-term plans for Liverpool, it's a good move for all sides and they were able to wrap it up before the new campaign got underway.