Stewart Downing has reiterated his desire to stay and fight for his place at Liverpool, despite being linked with a move to West Ham, reports the Metro.

The winger enjoyed a much improved second half of the season at Anfield last term, starting almost every Premier League game under Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old has still found himself linked with a move away from the Reds however, with the possibility of being reunited with Andy Carroll at Upton Park being mentioned.

But Downing is adamant he does not want to be going anywhere this summer, despite the arrivals of Spanish attackers Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto.

"I have spoken to the manager and he’s told me that he’s happy for me to stay," Downing said.

"As far as I see it I’m here to play. He wants to build a squad and not dismantle it.

"If I’m not in the team and not playing that is a discussion we will have to have then but at the minute I have absolutely no reason to leave.

"I was really happy with the second half of last season. I got a good run at it and now I just want to carry on.

"I have to make sure I stay in the team. Some new players have come in and a few more will arrive. If they do, so be it. I am ready for what’s coming."

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