Villa Cough Up £12m For Downing!

Last updated : 15 July 2009 By Boro Mad

The 24-year-old midfielder arrived at Villa's training headquarters on crutches this afternoon as he took a break from his rehabilitation from foot surgery to hold talks with manager Martin O'Neill.

Downing suffered his injury in a clash with Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov in the penultimate game of last season.

He is unlikely to play again until October at the earliest, and he may be out of action for some time longer.