Liverpool may turn their attentions to Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing if their move for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry falls through. (Daily Telegraph)
The England international has been linked with several moves away from Boro in recent months with Spurs also said to be keen on him.
Downing, 23, has been with Boro for over seven years now, progressing through the ranks. He has made over dozen appearances for England and is widely regarded as the country's best left-sided player.
I feel Downing is a player who blows hot and cold. I mean some weeks he is phenomenal, like the last weekend of the Premier League against Man City. Other weeks you don't even notice he is playing.
It is thought that Reds boss Rafa Benitez will have to pay Gareth Southgate at least £12 million to have any chance of landed the players signature.