It’s fairly safe to say that Stewart Downing is on his way to the Villa, for a reported fee of £12m. For all those fans who slag off Downing - there is something of the victim about him that makes him an easy target - they should remember that Glen Johnson cost £18m…
Villa and Downing will turn out be a good match, I feel, although I’m not quite sure what this means for Ashley Young - perhaps Young will play even further forward next season, or Downing/Young could switch to the right. Either way, the addition of Downing is a definite plus for Martin O’Neill, whose transfer dealings so far this summer have been a cause of concern for Villa fans. On the down side, Downing is injured and will not be fit to play until around October. OK, £12m is slightly overpriced, but I refer you to Glen Johnson: young English players don’t come cheap.
A good signing for Villa? Comments please…