• Premier League

McLeish preparing last-ditch attempt to keep Downing

ESPN staff
June 21, 2011
Stewart Downing and Ashley Young could be heading for the Villa Park exit door © PA Photos
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Newly-recruited Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is gearing up for showdown talks with wantaway winger Stewart Downing, with the manager admitting "we certainly don't want to lose Stewart".

McLeish, who was officially unveiled at Villa Park on Monday, faces the immediate task of trying to persuade key members of his first-team squad to stay at the club.

However, with Downing stalling on contract talks and Liverpool reportedly bidding £12 million for his services, McLeish has a tough job on his hands to keep hold of "a top player".

"No chance do we want Stewart Downing to go. We certainly don't want to lose Stewart," McLeish told talkSPORT.

"He's a top player. I need to see what Stewart's thinking when he comes back because I know that he made some comments when he was away on England duty.

"I'll have a chat with one or two in the coming days and weeks before pre-season training starts and once I get them in for pre-season training proper then I'll get a better idea."

While McLeish may be hopeful he can convince Downing to remain at the club, he is less optimistic about the future of Ashley Young. The England flyer is set to complete a move to Manchester United when he returns from holiday and McLeish is resigned to losing the 25-year-old.

"It's not confirmed yet but it does seem likely," he said. "In my humble opinion it will be very difficult [to keep hold of him]."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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