Aston Villa are eyeing Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

The Times says Downing is on Villa boss Martin O'Neill's shopping list as he seeks to add a wide player to his squad.

Downing signed a new five-year contract only five months ago, but Middlesbrough are again steeling themselves to fend off unwanted attention for their most saleable asset, the subject of interest from rival clubs for the past three summers.