PLAYER-of-the-season Stewart Downing is ready to commit his future to Aston Villa until 2015 after revealing he is happy at the club and has already opened new contract talks.

The treble award winner has discussed a potential offer and is expected to agree a bumper new four-year deal during the summer to banish speculation about his future.

It will make Downing Villa’s joint top earner and provide a major boost for the club in a gloomy campaign which is set to culminate in a tug-of-war for Ashley Young.

Reports this week claimed Liverpool were favourites to sign Young providing they make a tempting enough offer, but Villa have yet to be contacted by potential suitors.

Nothing will happen with Young until the end of the season when Villa hope to start a bidding war possibly involving Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.

But it transpires fellow Reds-target Downing will not be leaving for Anfield or anywhere else after telling the Birmingham Mail he will gladly extend his stay at Villa.

“I think there’s been a couple of conversations already with my agent,” said Downing. “I’ve already spoken to the manager who has said he’d like to keep me.

“I’m enjoying my stay here. I’ve enjoyed it since the first day I came. It’s a terrific football club. It’s fantastic they want me.

“There’s terrific players. I’m confident, despite this season, we’re going in the right direction and if we get the right players in then I’m happy.

“The important thing in football is, if you’re happy, then why change it?

“I know it’s been a disappointing season, but I can see the bigger picture.”

Downing, who is currently contracted until 2013, believes he owes Villa a debt of gratitude for signing him while he was on crutches with a fractured foot in July 2009.