Tuesday, 12th July, 2011
Liverpool are set to increase their offer for Stewart Downing in a bid to push through a deal this week.
The Reds had bid £15M for Downing, but saw Aston Villa reject the amount out of hand, with a demand for a minimum of £20M to release the left sided schemer.
And while Liverpool are unwilling to go quite that high for the 26-year-old, they are keen to meet the Midlands side halfway. Thus, the Merseyside giants are preparing to lodge an official offer of £18.5M.
New Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is hoping to keep hold of the England international, but remains well aware that if Liverpool up their bid considerably, the Midlands club will relent and allow the former Middlesbrough man to head to Anfield.
Liverpool are moving quickly to shape their squad for next season and want to push through a deal for Downing with the minimum of fuss. The Reds are hopeful that £18.5M may be acceptable to Villa, who themselves are keen to resolve the situation, lest the transfer saga drags on all summer.
Latest Features:
