Liverpool Transfer News: Stewart Downing Forcing His Way to Anfield?

We've heard Arsenal was moving toward a possible recruitment of Stewart Downing if Samir Nasri legitimately forces his way out of the Emirates, but Downing has eyes for just one club right now.

According to a line from The Sun:

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The unsettled England winger, 26, is determined to seal a dream £20 million move to Liverpool. McLeish is keen to keep Downing, but the player, who has two years left on his contract, is not interested in staying. 

A close pal said: "Stewy has made up his mind—he wants to go to Liverpool and hopes Villa will agree to let him leave."

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After starring for Middlesbrough for almost the entirety of his senior career, Downing joined forces with Aston Villa in 2009. The left winger has made 27 international appearances since moving up to the English senior squad in 2005.

Liverpool has been on the hunt for a number of players and owner John Henry, head of the Fenway Sports Group, has decided to go about business in a very similar fashion to that of his Boston Red Sox.

FSG is determined to get Liverpool back into contention for silverware in England and Europe alike but will not do so with "quick fixes" or ill-spent money. The club wants to get better and younger at the same time.

Downing fits that bill, as both a talented 26-year-old and a native Englishman.

The Lions of Aston Villa, under the new management of Alex McLeish, very much want to keep Downing in their attempt to improve on a ninth place finish in the Premiership last season, but Downing wants nothing more than an opportunity to immediately compete for silver and wants to do so at Anfield.

Liverpool already landed a talented English midfielder in Jordan Henderson early this summer, but a move for Downing now would be a big help to this team as well.

With players reporting back to their clubs this week, expect to see more action on this front.