Downing completes Liverpool switch

LIVERPOOL: England winger Stewart Downing completed his £20 million ($32 million) transfer from Aston Villa to Liverpool on Friday after passing a medical, the Anfield giants announced. The 26-year-old, who has played 27 times for England, becomes Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish’s fourth major signing of the summer following Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni. “It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy to be here,” Downing said. “With the tradition, the manager and the players they have here, there was a big temptation to come and once I knew of their interest, there was only one place I wanted to go.” Liverpool are believed to have paid £20 million ($32 million) for the winger after Villa had already rejected bids of £12 million and £15 million ($24.2 million). (Agencies)