Thursday, July 14, 2011

GreenBkk.com World Sport | Liverpool agree fee for Villa's Downing

Liverpool agree fee for Villa's Downing

July 14, 2011 -- Updated 1457 GMT (2257 HKT)


England winger Stewart Dowing joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in 2009.

(CNN) -- Liverpool have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for winger Stewart Downing, the English Premier League club have announced.

England international Downing will now undergo a medical and discuss personal terms with the five-time European champions, who have arrived in Malaysia after winning the team's pre-season tour opener in China.

The 26-year-old is poised to be Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's third signing of the offseason, after the Anfield outfit also captured Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and fellow midfielder Charlie Adam from relegated Blackpool.

"We have been given permission to speak to the player," Dalglish told Liverpool's official web site on Thursday, confirming news the club revealed the previous night.

"We will now try to agree personal terms with him, but it will all depend on the medical. It is a work in progress and we will see what happens and keep you informed."

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Downing joined Villa in 2009 and scored seven Premier League goals for the Birmingham-based outfit last season, including the winner against Liverpool in May.

Should he complete the switch to Merseyside, Downing would become the second high-profile exit from Villa this transfer window after fellow England winger Ashley Young moved to Manchester United last month.

"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," Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner told the club's web site on Wednesday.

"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."

Liverpool finished sixth in England's top division last season, with the 60-year-old Dalglish's return to the dugout in January inspiring an up-turn in form after he replaced Roy Hodgson .

Elsewhere, Germany defender Jerome Boateng looks set to complete a move back home after Manchester City agreed a fee for the 22-year-old with Bayern Munich.

Boateng, who had spells with Hertha Berlin and Hamburg prior to joining City in 2010, has already agreed terms on a four-year contract with the Bavarian outfit.

The right-back has represented Germany on 13 occasions, but struggled with injury during his one season with English FA Cup winners City.

City, who qualified for next season's European Champions League for the first time, have given Patrick Vieira a new role at the club following the 35-year-old's decision to end his playing days.

France's 1998 World Cup winner will take up the newly-created position of football development executive, working with the club's social responsibility program in the UK and abroad, plus liaising with City's commercial partners.

Vieira, who was manager Roberto Mancini's first signing at City in January 2010, will also help to develop the club's youth players.

Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)

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