Downey looks set to follow Aston out of Northampton

NORTHAMPTON head coach Jim Mallinder could see Munster target James Downey follow England star Chris Ashton out the Franklin’s Gardens door if the Irishman fails to agree a new Saints contract.

England wing Ashton was dropped by Mallinder for Saturday’s 36-51 Heineken Cup defeat by Munster after announcing he will be joining Saracens when his contract expires at the end of the season. Former Munster player Downey will also be out of contract at the end of June and watching him play for Saints in their mauling by Munster at stadium:MK, Mallinder admitted the centre’s future at the English Premiership club was uncertain, with Munster in the frame to repatriate the Irishman in their search for a long-term fix in midfield.

Asked about negotiations to keep Downey at Northampton, Mallinder replied: “It’s ongoing that, so we’re not quite sure.”