Revealed: Aston Villa plan double swoop on Middlesbrough
Aston Villa look set to launch a twin raid on Middlesbrough for Stewart Downing and Tuncay Sanli.
Sources in the North-east confirmed today that Martin O’Neill has made his move for England winger Downing and the Turkish play-maker.
Both Downing and Tuncay have been told by Boro boss Gareth Southgate they can leave for the right price in the wake of the club’s relegation last season.
Their names have been circulated to Premier League clubs with Boro now desperate to get them off the wage bill so they can start their rebuilding programme.
Downing is rated at about £12 million while Turkish striker Tuncay, who had been targeted by Liverpool and Everton, is available for nearer £8 million.
Although Villa would not pay those sort of prices they have now expressed an interest.
Spurs have been trying to sign England international Downing for a number of years and were confident they would finally get their man this summer but Harry Redknapp needs to sell players before he can buy.
Downing is recovering after surgery on his foot following a challenge with Villa’s Stiliyan Petrov in the penultimate game of last season.
