Source: SKY_Sports
Downing set for Villa move
Sky Sports News understands Stewart Downing is poised to join Aston Villa after Middlesbrough agreed a fee of £12million.
The England international had been widely expected to leave the Riverside this summer following the club's relegation to the Championship.
And he now looks poised to join Martin O'Neill's side in the
Midlands after an accord was reached between his two clubs for his services.
Downing suffered a broken foot - ironically against Villa - in the penultimate game of last season and underwent surgery over the summer.
His recovery is progressing as planned but the initial diagnosis after he went under the knife on 22nd May was that it would take between four and six months to reach full fitness.
O'Neill is clearly prepared to gamble on the 24-year-old left-sided player making a full recovery as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.
Downing handed in a transfer request at the Riverside Stadium in January amid strong interest from Tottenham, but a move to White Hart Lane never materialised.
However, his departure from his hometown club is now expected to be sealed in the coming days with Gareth Southgate's side accepting Villa's offer.
