And Kop boss Kenny Dalglish is also closing in on Sunderland
midfielder Lee Cattermole.
Downing has two years left on his Villa contract and is refusing
to discuss a new one. The England winger, who shares the same agent
as Anfield stars Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, said: "I know
the club are keen for me to extend my contract.
"But I'm 26 and at a major crossroads in my career. I do want to
play in the Champions League at some point so I won't be committing
to a new deal at the moment."
Dalglish is also ready to offer £12m for Cattermole, 23, who is
believed to have an escape clause in his Sunderland contract.
The Anfield chief hopes to wrap up both deals by the end of next
month - and is also close to signing France midfielder Sylvain
Marveaux on a free from Rennes.
But striker David Ngog, 22, has been told he can find himself
another club - although Liverpool will want £8m for him.
Dalglish is adamant the lack of European football at Anfield
next term for the first time in a decade will be no barrier to
attracting top stars to Merseyside.
"If a player thinks otherwise, we're better off without
him."