Now Arsenal want to sign Stewart Downing

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is determined to land the England winger, but no deal has yet been agreed because Aston Villa have put a £20 million price tag on the player.

The lack of progress in Downing's expected move to Anfield has left the door open for bids from other clubs and it appears Arsenal are ready to take advantage of the situation.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to match Villa's asking price in order to get his man, reports the Sunday Mirror.

Wenger is determined to add a creative player to his squad before the new season gets underway, as he is facing the prospect of losing Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and possibly also seeing Samir Nasri leave.

Downing does not enjoy the same standing in the game as Fabregas and Nasri, but the 26-year-old is a proven Premier League performer who would need little time to adapt.

Arsenal are also targeting another player with experience in the English top-flight, Bolton defender Gary Cahill, but Wenger has not abandoned his policy of searching for the pick of the rising overseas stars.

He is close to finalising a deal to sign Ivory Coast forward Gervinho from Lille and has also made a bid for Velez Sarsfield midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, although Inter Milan are reported to have topped that offer

Source: Metro.co.uk

Liverpool want to sign Jose Enrique after failing to land Arsenal's Gael Clichy

After Manchester City have apparently beaten them to the signature of Arsenal's French defender, the Reds have reportedly revived their long-term interest in Newcastle defender

Liverpool will reportedly turn their attention back to Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique after failing in their bid to land Arsenal's Gael Clichy, according to The News of the World.

Manchester City have apparently beaten the Reds to the signing of Clichy, so Liverpool are said to be reviving their interest in Enrique, who has been a target for the Anfield club after impressing for the Magpies last season.

Reds' boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to strengthen his options at left-back and has also been linked with a move for England defender Leighton Baines, but was apparently put off by neighbours Everton’s £20 (€22) million valuation.

However, he has been tracking Enrique for a number of months. Ironically, when the Spaniard left Villarreal for the Premier League in August 2007, Liverpool (then managed by Rafael Benitez) were one of the clubs, along with Manchester City, whom Newcastle beat to his signature.


Source: Goal.com