Reds in for Villa star

(18-01-2011) Liverpool are hot on the heels of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing. The England international has impressed for Villa this season and is the Midlands-based club’s top scorer with five goals. The 26-year-old is being targeted by the Reds whose new manager Kenny Dalglish wants to inject some fresh blood into his squad. Downing joined Villa for £12m from Middlesbrough 18 months ago. Villa boss Gerard Houllier revealed last month that he was confident that he would be able to retain the services of Downing during the January transfer window. However, Houllier’s attempts to sign Sunderland striker Darren Bent could prompt the club to consider letting Downing go. Villa have reportedly made an offer of £18m for Bent and cashing in on Downing would provide some of the funds to bring in his fellow England international.