Aston Villa star Stewart Downing has intimated that he wants to play for a top six club next season, as contract talks look to have stalled with Villa indefinitely.
“When I watch Champions League games it makes me wish I was there,” Downing said.
“My agent had a meeting with the club and he just felt it was the right time not to sign my contract.
“I’m not sure if I’ll be at Villa next season.”
Liverpool have been connected to Downing on numerous occasions this season, with Kenny Dalglish taking a liking to both Downing and Villa teammate Ashley Young.
While Manchester United have shown interest in Young, Downing appears to be Liverpool’s for the taking, with the Merseyside club front runners to pay the £15 million fee quoted by the Express for Downing’s services.
Downing was on loan at Sunderland from Middlesbrough for 6 years before moving to Aston Villa in 2009. The left winger is dangerous when partnered with fellow winger and striker Young.
While Liverpool can’t offer Champions League football next season, Dalglish reportedly believes he can still land Downing with a long term promise to challenge for trophies.
January signings of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, along with the signing of Dalglish on a permanent basis to manage Liverpool, will all undoubtedly persuade Downing to believe that these promises are genuine.
While Liverpool had an offer for Downing turned down last summer, Dalglish has been handed a decent transfer budget to use this summer, and the Anfield club is confident they can land their star.
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