Villa sign Downing

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on Thursday got his man when he clinched a £12million swoop for England winger Stewart Downing.

The Middlesbrough midfielder, who celebrates his 25th birthday next week, signed a four-year contract a day after the two clubs agreed terms.

A statement on Villa's official website said: "Villa have completed the signing of England international Stewart Downing. The four-year deal was finalised after the left-sided star agreed terms and passed a medical."

The statement continued: "Downing becomes Martin O'Neill's first summer signing and adds more quality to the manager's claret and blue squad."

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