Downing free to talk after fee agreed

Soccer: Liverpool are set to open talks with England winger Stewart Downing after settling on a fee with Aston Villa. Former Middlesbrough player Downing has been a prime summer target of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, and bids of €13.6 million and €17 million had been refused prior to yesterday's breakthrough.

Downing effectively forced Villa's hand by submitting a formal transfer request and the midlands club have now accepted a bid, which has not been disclosed by either club but was last night reported to be worth £20m, including add-ons, for the England international.

Negotiations can now begin with the player, who turns 27 later this month.

Liverpool said in a statement on their website: "Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical."

Villa manager Alex McLeish had insisted he wanted Downing to stay in the midlands, as Liverpool hovered with intent.

But the size of the latest offer proved irresistible, given Downing has only two years remaining on his contract.

Downing made it clear only last month, when on England duty, that he would not sign an extension with Villa, effectively forcing them to listen to offers.

Arsenal were reported over the weekend to have joined the competition for left-footed Downing, who can play on either wing.

However, Villa denied receiving any offer from the Gunners, and barring a late intervention from Arsene Wenger the path appears clear for Downing to move to Anfield.

Should the deal be concluded, the 27-cap international would become the third high-profile midfield recruit by Dalglish this summer, following the signings of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and Charlie Adam from Blackpool.

News of Downing's anticipated arrival came on the day Liverpool offloaded Paul Konchesky, a summer signing 12 months ago, to Leicester.

With Milan Jovanovic also expected to leave, perhaps for Anderlecht, and others including Christian Poulsen, Alberto Aquilani and David Ngog thought to be available for transfer at the right price, Dalglish is rapidly rebuilding the squad he inherited from Roy Hodgson in January.

Dalglish's team won 4-3 in a pre-season tour match in China against Guangdong yesterday, in which both Poulsen and Ngog scored.

Downing's departure from Villa after just two years would be a setback for the midlands club, who sold Ashley Young to Manchester United last month.

McLeish will now press ahead with plans to bring in new blood.

The Scot has already been linked with Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia, whom he came close to signing when in charge of Birmingham, while goalkeeper Shay Given's €4m move from Manchester City is expected to go through soon.

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "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."