Liverpool 'close' to securing £19m winger deal - reports

Liverpool are on the verge of making their second signing of the summer in the form of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing, according to the Daily Mail.

The England international has been linked with a move away from Villa Park following a disappoint season under Gerard Houllier which preceded the resignation of Martin O'Neil.

Downing's exit continues the stream of exits from Villa with Bard Friedel having already joined Tottenham Hotspur, and Ashley Young closing in on a move to Manchester United.

 

After having lost out on Young, Liverpool are set to match the £19 million fee Villa have demanded for Downing, who is expected to be the main source for Andy Carroll.

With Liverpool expected to snap up their star man, Villa will turn their attention to Charles N'Zogbia, who is desperate to leave Wigan Athletic.

If a move for Downing falls through, Liverpool are keen on St Etienne's Dimitri Payet but are reportedly some way short of the French side's asking price.