• Premier League

Downing happy amid transfer speculation

ESPN staff
May 12, 2011
Stewart Downing has performed well despite Aston Villa struggling this season © Getty Images
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Stewart Downing has claimed he is happy at Aston Villa, insisting speculation about his future comes with the territory if you are playing well.

The former Middlesbrough man has a further two years to run on his contract at Villa Park, but the club have moved to open talks amid speculation Downing is being tracked by a number of clubs.

Downing confirmed talks are underway, but the England international stopped short of pledging his future to the club.

"I think there have been a couple of conversations already with my agent," Downing told the Birmingham Mail. "I've already spoken to the manager who has said he'd like to keep me. I've still got two years left and they've come to me with an offer.

"For a player, that is brilliant because it gives you confidence they have faith in you and that they reward players if they do well.

"I'm enjoying my stay here. I've enjoyed it since the first day I came. It's a terrific football club. It's fantastic they want me."

Regarding speculation about his future, Downing said: "It's part and parcel of being a player and doing well. Ever since I was young I've read stories saying 'you're going here, you're going there'.

"Obviously if you have a good season you get linked, but I'm happy here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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