Stewart Downing is ready to quit Aston Villa.
The Daily Star says Villa are braced for a transfer request from want-away England star Downing.
But Aston Villa will still be prepared to play hardball with Liverpool in their attempt to try and prise the 26-year-old star away.
Downing still has two years of his contract to run and while Villa will reluctantly allow him to leave, they will hold out for their £20m valuation.
If Kop boss Kenny Dalglish refuses to sanction a move for that figure then the Midlands club will squeeze another year out of Downing before being pushed into a deal next summer.
