VILLA IN FOR STEWART DOWNING
Martin O'Neill launches £12m bid for Middlesbrough winger
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ASTON Villa have opened negotiations for the £12million signing of crocked Middlesbrough striker Stewart Downing.
The Boro winger is recovering from a broken foot but Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to conclude a deal and steal a march on his transfer rivals. Liverpool and Spurs are also interested in Downing despite his current problem.
But both Premier League clubs are only willing to go ahead on an initial loan deal while he completes his recovery.
Boro refused that idea as they want straight cash for the England winger (below) to aid their rebuilding plans after suffering relegation to the Championship.
Downing, who turns 25 this month, is now awaiting permission to meet O'Neill to discuss terms as he is attracted by the idea of a switch to Villa Park.
O'Neill intends to deploy Young Player of the Year Ashley Young in right midfielder which will then accommodate Downing on the left.
He is also eyeing Pompey defender Sylvain Distin for a bargain £2m swoop.
This article has 7 comments
i think downing on the left and young on the right sounds like a very dangerous attacking option which could produce lots of goals. he'll get over this injury and be fresher for later in the season.
2 million for distin sounds like a great buy too. MON is one of the best managers but we're never gonna compete for the top tier of players so its gonna be tough
By dan115. Posted July 19 2009 at 11:36 AM.
If he comes MON will develop him further and get greater consistency out of him, something Southgate couldn't ever pull off.
By Spencer. Posted July 12 2009 at 4:43 PM.
MON really needs to start showing us Villa faithfull his intrest in moveing the club forward. why buy an injured player? were no where near as good as this time last year. two years of faith in him is wearing thin.
By bilboe. Posted July 12 2009 at 1:29 PM.
no heart no passion looks like hes going to the right place,as a boro fan i would like to thank you for all your service ,just like woodgate the going gets tough and you bail out ,enjoy your money both of you arnt welcome here anymore mercenaries both of you .
By j hall. Posted July 12 2009 at 11:07 AM.
Stewart Downing. No thanks, overated if you ask me.
By vikki . Posted July 12 2009 at 11:24 AM.
yes,join the Villa,you will be in the company of loosers,the nowhere men
By dougan. Posted July 12 2009 at 4:58 AM.
Come on the VILLA!!
By Richard Vahey. Posted July 12 2009 at 4:18 AM.