£20m tag put on Downing

Posted Monday, July 11, 2011 by The Sun

ARSENAL and Liverpool have been told the asking price for Stewart Downing is £20million.

Aston Villa do not want to sell their star winger and will refuse to let Downing go for a penny less than their valuation.

The England ace, 26, has been told he stays at Villa Park unless the full price is met.

Arsenal made a surprise move over the weekend to get in on the action.

Boss Arsene Wenger has been quiet in the transfer market so far but the Gunners are believed to be ready to pay £18m for Downing.

Liverpool, who are believed to be Downing's favoured choice, had a bid of £15m rejected last week and were expected to increase it to £16m.

They have also tried to tempt Villa by including fringe players in the deal but new boss Alex McLeish is not interested in any kind of exchange.

Downing has met with McLeish and made it clear he wants to go. But Villa say the reported interest from Arsenal has not yet brought an official approach.

Villa sources last night insisted to SunSport they are not interested in sparking a bidding war and the board remains adamant Downing is not for sale.

McLeish has the England man in his plans for the coming season and does not want to weaken his squad further after striker Ashley Young was sold to Manchester United for £20m.