Stewart Downing set for Anfield talks

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 £12million and £15million had been refused prior to today's breakthrough.
Negotiations can now begin with the player who turns 27 later this month.
Liverpool said in a statement on their official 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, which has not been disclosed by either club but was tonight reported to be worth £20million, 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 on Wednesday, in which both Poulsen and Ngog scored.
Downing is set to leave Villa Park after just two years.
Signed by Martin O'Neill, he had a mixed first campaign but has since impressed and was voted Villa's player of the season for 2010/11.
The midlands club later confirmed Downing had submitted a formal transfer request.
Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said: "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 by Stewart Downing.
"We have subsequently given them permission to speak with the player."
Faulkner's main concern now is to try to bring in replacements for Downing - should he leave - and Ashley Young, who signed for Manchester United last month.
He 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.
"We are also working hard to conclude a deal for a goalkeeper who we believe can also strengthen the side.
"As soon as we have dependable, conclusive information to share then we will do so."
Villa are optimistic of reaching an agreement with Manchester City for goalkeeper Shay Given in the near future.