Downing given green light over move

Stewart Downing has moved a step closer to joining Liverpool after being told he can leave Aston Villa as long as the Anfield club meet a £19m asking price.

Villa boss Alex McLeish does not want to lose Downing but with the winger stalling on contract talks Villa are ready to cash in.

McLeish has made it clear he will not deny Downing a move to Liverpool and is planning to use the proceeds of a sale to lure Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan.

Downing has his heart set on Anfield but a stumbling block could be the transfer fee.

Liverpool have been looking at alternatives with St Etienne's Dimitri Payet considered a possible target. Meanwhile, Rangers have confirmed they have made an offer for Villa defender Carlos Cuellar.

Villa are looking to take Germinal Beerschot midfielder Victor Wanyama, 19, from under the noses of Swansea and Celtic in a £1m deal.

Source: Daily Mail

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