Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa's Stewart Downing delays contract talks
ShareStalling: Stewart Downing was voted Aston Villa's player of the year[LNB]Liverpool and Tottenham are on alert after Stewart Downing stalled over contract talks at Aston Villa.[LNB]Caretaker boss Gary McAllister intimated that Villa would be opening talks with their player of the year over an improved and extended deal.[LNB]But Downing, who has two years remaining of his current contract, has indicated that will not be happening in the foreseeable future.[LNB]The former Middlesbrough player told the Northern Echo: 'I know the club are keen for me to extend my contract as I only have two years lefton my deal.[LNB]'My agent (Struan Marshall) had a recent meeting with our chief executive (Paul Faulkner).[LNB]'However, I am 26, and at a major crossroads in my career, so I won't be committing to a new deal at the moment.'[LNB]Villa will hope Downing eventually changes his mind otherwise they could face the same scenario as now confronts them with Ashley Young.[LNB]He has only 12 months left of his current deal and is being linked with a move to Manchester United or Liverpool.[LNB] Attracting interest: Liverpool and Tottenham are both interested[LNB]Downing is delighted to be playing regularly after an injury-hit first campaign following his ?12million move from Boro in the summer of 2009.[LNB]But he also admits he wants to eventually play Champions League football.[LNB]He said: 'I want to keep playing and enjoying my football. When I was injured that made me realise what it can be like to be out for such a long time.[LNB]'It hurt. The most important thing is to play football, but I do want to play in the Champions League at some point.'[LNB] Houllier decision imminent as Villa insist his health remains the priorityEXCLUSIVE: Spurs in Friedel hijack bid as Harry eyes Liverpool targetAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinionAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinionAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Stewart Downing, Ashley Young, Gary McAllister Places: Liverpool
