Rush heaps praise on Downing signing

Singapore, July 18 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) ? Liverpool great Ian Rush believes new arrival Stewart Downing is one of three "fantastic signings" for the Merseyside club.

England winger Downing arrived from Aston Villa last week for a reported 20 million pounds, joining Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam as Liverpool's close season signings.

Rush, Liverpool's all-time top scorer, told reporters in Singapore on Sunday that Downing would get the best out of Andy Carroll, the former Newcastle United striker who joined Liverpool in January for 35 million pounds.

"Andy (Carroll) likes the crosses coming in to him. So, hopefully, Downing can supply the right balls for him," said Rush on the sidelines of a coaching clinic.

"Charlie can score goals from anywhere and can pass the ball and I believe Jordan will be an England regular one day," added the 49-year-old.

Liverpool finished sixth in the English Premier League last season, missing out on a European spot, and Rush believes the key to winning the league is getting the new faces to settle in quickly.

"You're looking at six teams who could win it. But whoever's new signings settle in best and early on will be the side that win the league," added Rush, who was a member of the last Liverpool team to win the league in 1990.

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Liverpool agree fee for Villa's Downing

London, July 14 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - Liverpool have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for England left winger Stewart Downing after the player handed in a transfer request, the Premier League clubs said on Wednesday.

"I can confirm that we have reached agreement with Liverpool following an improved offer received earlier today and the submission of a formal transfer request by Stewart Downing, and have subsequently given them permission to speak with the player," Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said.

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side, who finished sixth last season, have been on a midfield recruitment drive as they bid to break into the top four with Sunderland's Jordan Henderson and Blackpool's Charlie Adam having already joined the club.

"Liverpool FC tonight announced they had agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the transfer of Stewart Downing," Liverpool said in a statement without giving any financial details.

Media put the fee at 20 million pounds.

"Liverpool have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the player and arrange a medical," the club added on its website

Downing made his name at Middlesbrough thanks to his crossing ability and has earned 27 England caps, although the 26-year-old has never been a regular starter for his country.

Liverpool, who like Villa have an American owner, began their push to 'Buy British' with the capture of England striker Andy Carroll from Newcastle United in January.

Villa came ninth last season after a topsy-turvy campaign and new coach Alex McLeish has already lost winger Ashley Young to Manchester United with Downing set to follow.

However, Faulkner said on the club's website (www.avfc.co.uk): "We believe there are replacements available in the market who can strengthen our squad ahead of the coming season, and we are in discussions as such.

"We are working hard to conclude a deal for a goalkeeper who we believe can also strengthen the side," he added.

Villa's first-choice stopper, 40-year-old former US international Brad Friedel, joined fellow Premier league club Tottenham Hotspur last month.

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