Reds step up chase for Downing and Adam

Liverpool are ready to press ahead with their summer rebuilding programme by stepping up attempts to sign Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam.

But Aston Villa have vowed to keep hold of £19million Stewart Downing, right, and have no inclination to cash in on their prize asset.

Villa owner Randy Lerner is intent on keeping Downing to the two years on his contract.

And new manager Alex McLeish was told that would be the club policy with Downing during his talks with Lerner and it has not changed.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is due back to Anfield next week following a summer break and will make sealing the deals a priority.

The club's director of football, Damien Comolli, will also try to broker the transfer of Adam with a package of around £10m likely finally to tempt Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston.

Source: Daily Express

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