Tottenham Hotspur fans were breathing a collective sigh of relief today as Aston Villa announced the signing of Stewart Downing.
Spurs have been linked with the England international for seemingly as long as they've been tipped to break the 'Big Four' but neither have become a reality, though the former will have few of the White Hart Lane faithful dreaming of what could have been.
The club known as The Villans have won the race for Downing, but at £12 million, few would describe the transfer as a steal (boom boom) especially considering the former Middlesbrough man is still recovering from an injury set to keep him out of action for at least the first two months of the season; possibly even into December.
The winger has his backers though, including Villa manager Martin O'Neill and a trio of England head honchos, though a selection under Steve McClaren is hardly anything to boast about. Then again, I wouldn't want to be caught in disagreement with 'Don Fabio'.
But hang on, if MON has signed Downing, who operates most comfortably on the left-hand side, does that mean he's ready to part company with PFA Young Player Of The Year Ashley Young? I can almost hear the Irishman's phone ringing now....not because I've tapped him up or anything....
Well apparently not. MON is of the firm belief there is room for both in the first-team, seeing Downing as part of a possible midfield three, leaving Young free to roam high up the pitch as he did so brilliantly and effectively last season.
O'Neill has insisted anyone who makes eyes at Young will be given 'short shrift', sending Chelsea and Harry Trotter packing.
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