Downing to hand in transfer request after 15.5m LFC bid rejected.

Stewart Downing is to hand in a transfer request today as all efforts by Liverpool to agree fee with Aston Villa have failed. Liverpool are ready to pay around 16m, however, Villa are reluctant to do business below 19m. Downing wants this move and has his heart set to joins the reds. It is hoped that this saga will not transpire into a Gareth Barry part 2.

The positive thing though is Kenny has shown earlier that he is not scared to flex his muscle. Liverpool are very confident this deal will go through and obviously the transfer request will lower Aston Villas ability to play hard ball with this deal.

Liverpool want this deal done and dusted in the next 48 hours, as they face a huge battle to sign Mata, who will surely be highly be sought after and Liverpool will have to win his signature by acting fast and showing the financial muscle.