O’Neill seals £12m swoop for winger Downing

ASTON VILLA boss Martin O’Neill yesterday got his man when he clinched a £12million (€14m) swoop for England winger Stewart Downing.

The Middlesbrough midfielder, who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, signed a four-year contract a day after the two clubs agreed terms.

A statement on Villa’s website read: “Villa have completed the signing of England international Stewart Downing.