Liverpool FC want Stewart Downing and Doni deals wrapped up next week

Liverpool will next week look to complete a deal for Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing, while Roma goalkeeper Doni is also closing in on a move to Anfield.

Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market this summer, with Charlie Adam this week joining £20million signing Jordan Henderson at the club.

Reds' director of football Damien Comolli on Friday said he hopes the club can attract "a few more" players before the end of August and Downing is now top of their list of targets.

Liverpool are believed to be ready to make an improved £18m bid for the 26-year-old, who wants to quit Villa Park and make the move to Merseyside.

Villa insist the England international is not for sale, but it is thought that Downing is prepared to tell new Villa boss Alex McLeish that he wants to leave the club and join Kenny Dalglish's side.

McLeish has insisted that the midfielder is not for sale, while Villa have told both Liverpool and Downing's agent that they will not be forced into selling the player after seeing Ashley Young leave to join Manchester United.

However, reports earlier this week claimed Villa would reluctantly let the player leave the Midlands club should they receive a £19m offer.

Downing could be joined at Anfield by Brazilian keeper Doni, who is set to make a £1m move from Serie A side Roma to provide back-up to first-choice Pepe Reina.

Several other players have also been linked with a move to Anfield including Bolton defender Gary Cahill, Birmingham centre-back Scott Dann and Valencia winger Juan Mata, with the latter a possible alternative to Downing should Villa refuse to sell.