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Liverpool are now very close to completing the deal for winger Stewart Downing after the player handed in a written transfer request on Wednesday. Acknowledging the player’s desire to play at Anfield, Villa have agreed a fee with the Merseyside club, and Downing is expected to travel to Melwood for a medical on Thursday.
Aston Villa’s chief executive Paul Faulkner said-
“I can confirm that we have reached an agreement with Liverpool following an improved offer received earlier today and the submission of a formal transfer request by Stewart Downing, and have given them permission to speak with the player.”
The fee agreed for Downing is believed to be in the region of 18.5 million pounds, with add-ons based on appearances and performance bonuses. Alex McLeish will certainly be miffed to lose one of Villa’s best players (in fact, Downing was voted the fans player of the year last season), and has shortlisted Wigan star Charles N’Zogbia as a readymade replacement.
N’Zogbia will cost somewhere close to 10 million pounds, and Villa authorities have already given the green light for his high wage demands to be met, if a fee is agreed. Villa will face competition from Newcastle and Stoke for the player.
Man City keeper Shay Given is also expected to make the switch to Villa Park this week for a fee of 3.5 million pounds or so.
Liverpool meanwhile are moving from strength to strength in the transfer market this summer. Having already brought Jordan Henderson for 20 million pounds and Charlie Adam for eight million, Downing represents their third large money signing of the window. They seem geared up and raring to go for the new term.
It remains to be seen whether Downing justifies his price tag with efficient performances or goes on to be another English flop at Liverpool. Fans will certainly hope it’s the former. Stay tuned for more in this regard.
