Villa begin Downing talks

Aston Villa caretaker boss Gary McAllister has revealed that the club have started discussions with Stewart Downing in a bid to convince the winger to sign a new contract.

The former Middlesbrough star is understood to be a top summer target of Liverpool, but he still has two years remaining of the deal he signed when moving from The Riverside for £12million during the summer of 2009.

McAllister, who is in charge in the absence of Gerard Houllier, is aware of the need to ensure Downing remains at the club on a long-term basis, particularly with doubts hanging over the future of reported Manchester United target Ashley Young.

The Scot said: "Stewart has got two years left and we are getting into that area where it's coming into our vision.

"It's in progress at the moment. We are starting to make contact with his agent.

"We have to keep good players here."

McAllister admits he would vote for Downing as Villa's player of the year and believes he is capable of becoming an England regular.

The former Middlesbrough player impressed during the friendly international against Ghana at Wembley in March.

McAllister said: "Another wee target for Stewart is that he has always been in and around that England squad.

"The question is can he go and become a part of the team? I feel he has enough in his locker to do that."

Source: Sky Sports

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