Aston Villa’s leading goalscorer this season, Stewart Downing, is the subject of interest from new Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish according to reports. The former Middlesbrough man has also attracted the likes of Sunderland and it has been suggested that Steve Bruce may insist on including Downing in any potential Villa deal for Darren Bent though these are merely rumours. Liverpool are having almost as bad a season as Villa and Dalglish is keen to strengthen his squad with the England international high on his wish list. The winger has had a good second season at the club after injury stunted his progression last term. Downing has 6 goals in all competitions, 5 in the league, and has been one of the club’s most consistent performers all season. The £12m price tag which Villa stumped up 2 years ago is thought to be the sort of offer that could tempt Villa into a sale to fund Houllier’s overhaul of the squad, though Downing is not one of those that the Frenchman is keen to lose. A suggested price of £8-10m has been touted but I’m sure it would fall below the club’s valuation of a player who has improved this season since his big money move whilst crocked at the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign. How much is Downing worth and could the club risk losing him with Ashley Young’s contract set to expire and future at Villa still unknown?
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