Bros, this question of buying Keane or Downing, note that the day of the winger is over. As in someone who sticks to the byline and races down the flank and crosses. The top teams don't play classic wingers anymore.
Ronaldo is not a winger and has been a disaster at that role. Neither is Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Joe Cole, Thierry Henry, our own Stevie who has played on the right.
The system the top teams play is more fluid, with full backs also providing width. That's why they usually don't play 4-4-2 but a lone recognised striker with any number of supporting wide attackers and 1 or 2 holding midfielders.
Bottom line is I will be very happy with Keane because of his flexibility: he can play as second supporting striker in a 4-4-2 or a wide attacker in a 4-2-3-1.
Downing will not give us that option - Bro AXL - of course I am biased a little cos I don't rate Downing highly, but this is about tactics and not individuals.
Why, even Barry, if he signs for us, may have some games on the left. And the list of players Rafa has used on the flanks is longer than West Ham's injury list!!