Villa firm over Downing future

07 July 2011 11:42
Alex McLeish says Aston have no intention of selling Stewart Downing at any price and remain determined to hold onto the Liverpool target.[LNB] The 26-year-old England international was the subject of a failed £15million bid from the Reds earlier in the week.[LNB]There has been speculation Liverpool will up their bid to £20million, but McLeish is determined to hold on to the player after losing Ashley Young and Brad Friedel in the transfer window already.[LNB]McLeish admits he has already spoken to Downing about his future and plans to speak to the former Middlesbrough favourite again when the squad returns for pre-season training.[LNB]"He had a magnificent season last year and really came to full maturity as a top player," McLeish told the Birmingham Mail.[LNB]"I understand why there's teams interested in him and that is what happens when you play well consistently. [LNB]"His performances last season were top drawer. That's why he's not for sale. The club don't want to sell him.[LNB]"I spoke to him briefly last week and I intend speaking to him again when all the lads are back in for training."[LNB]Young left Villa Park for Manchester United last month and the departure of Downing would leave McLeish desperately short of proven options on the wing.

Source: Team_Talk