Aston Villa admit Downing is off

Aston Villa will earn a reported 20m GBP from the sale of Stewart Downing, who looks set to complete a move to Liverpool in the coming days. Kenny Dalglish has already added Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam to his squad, and is desperate to add a 3rd.

Paul Faulkner, the Aston Villa chief exec has admitted that an agreement has been reached for the transfer of Downing: "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 subsequently given them permission to speak with the player. We believe there are replacements available in the market who can strengthen our squad ahead of the coming season, and we are in discussions as such. We are also working hard to conclude a deal for a goalkeeper who we believe can also strengthen the side."