Stewart Downing and Tuncay in Aston Villa sights

Martin O'Neill wants to take England winger Stewart Downing to Aston Villa.

Villa boss O'Neill is also keen on Downing's Middlesbrough team mate Tuncay in an £18m double swoop.

Middlesbrough are resigned to losing both Turkish midfielder Tuncay and wideman Downing this summer after relegation from the Premier League.

Downing, 24, is also wanted by Tottenham but Villa have stolen a march and have got cash to spend whereas Spurs boss Harry Redknapp must sell before he can buy.

O'Neill fancies Tottenham's David Bentley but the England winger is also interesting Everton and Manchester City with boss Mark Hughes ready to link-up again with his former Blackburn player.

But O'Neill is determined to strengthen his squad to make another push for the Champions League next season.

Downing fits the Villa mould permanently being a young English player with the only stumbling block being that he is currently recovering from surgery on a foot injury which could see him miss the start of next season.

Middlesbrough-born Downing would be keen to go to a club pushing for Europe to strengthen his World Cup hopes for next season.

Tuncay also wants out of Boro and would prefer to move to London but Villa are hoping to tempt him with a £6m move.

Despite Boro's relegation, Tuncay had a good season and there has been plenty of interest but Villa are the first to make a firm approach.

Villa are keen to build on their squad and even if they capture Downing they will resist any interest in their England forward Ashley Young.

Villa are also keen on Portsmouth's former England defender Sol Campbell, now a free agent.

ENDS

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