Stewart Downing could join Liverpool FC in £15m deal next week - report

Liverpool are reportedly hopeful of completing a deal for Aston Villa's £15million-rated winger Stewart Downing next week

Downing is one of a number of players who are on Liverpool's radar as they prepare to spend up to £80m this summer in the transfer market.

The Reds spent £20m on midfielder Jordan Henderson last week and the likes of Charlie Adam, Connor Wickham and Gael Clichy are all being lined up for moves to Anfield.

In addition, reports on Sunday suggest the Merseysiders are looking to hijack Arsenal's bid to sign Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as well as looking to pip Manchester United to the signing of Blackburn defender Phil Jones (see below).

And according to the News of the World, Kenny Dalglish wants to complete a deal for England international Downing in the next few days.

Villa are keen on keeping Downing at the club, but it is believed they will reluctantly sell after he stated he wanted to be playing at a higher level.

Downing still has two years left on his existing contract at Villa Park and last month turned down the chance to discuss a new deal.

Downing's departure would be the second blow to managerless Villa in less than a week, with fellow England star Ashley Young set to complete a £16m move to Manchester United in the next few days.

Villa will reportedly demand closer to £20m for Downing, who Dalglish sees as the perfect solution to solve his lack of options and quality on the left of midfield.