Liverpool agree fee for Villa’s Downing

LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - Liverpool have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for England left winger Stewart Downing, the Premier League club said on
  Wednesday.

Kenny Dalglish’s side, sixth last term, have been on a midfield recruitment drive as they bid to return to the upper reaches of the top flight with Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson and Blackpool’s Scotland international Charlie Adam already joining.

“Liverpool FC tonight announced they had agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the transfer of Stewart Downing,” the club statement said.

“Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical,” the club added on its website (www.liverpoolfc.tv)

Downing made his name at Middlesbrough thanks to his crossing ability and has earned 27 England caps, although the 26-year-old has never been a regular starter for his country.

Liverpool, who like Villa have an American owner, began their push to ‘Buy British’ with the capture of England striker Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in January.

Villa finished ninth last season after a topsy-turvy campaign and new coach Alex McLeish has already lost winger Ashley Young to Manchester United with Downing now looking set to leave the Midlands club as well.