Liverpool agree fee for winger Downing

LIVERPOOL last night agreed a fee in the region of £20 million with Aston Villa for the transfer of Engalnd winger Stewart Downing.

Villa granted the Reds permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical. It now looks a matter of time before he becomes the club’s latest signing, following big-name signings like Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.

Adam made his debut off the bench as Liverpool opened their pre-season campaign with a narrow win over Guangdong Sunray Cave in China yesterday. Two goals in quick succession from Christian Poulsen and David Ngog midway through the first half put Kenny Dalglish’s side in control and youngster Conor Coady grabbed a third in the second half after Guangdong had pulled one back.