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Liverpool have completed their fourth signing of the close season, announcing the capture of Aston Villa midfielder Stewart Downing just a few hours after signing Roma reserve keeper Doni. The 26-year old England international, who was for long linked with an exit from Villa Park, has reportedly cost the side a whopping £20 million.

Villa announced on Wednesday that the club had agreed a fee with the Reds following Downing's submission of a transfer request. Villa chief Paul Faulkner also sounded confident about the club finding good enough replacements for Downing with the funds now available.

Downing had suggested earlier in the year that he was happy to stay on at Villa Park, stating that he had enjoyed playing for the Midlands club and did not want to move, only to make a complete U-turn on those statements right after the end of the season, saying : "My agent had a recent meeting with our chief executive. However, I am 26, and at a major crossroads in my career, so I won't be committing to a new deal at the moment."

That opened the doors for a potential transfer, with Liverpool and Arsenal said to be the interested parties in acquiring the talented left-footed winger's services. Liverpool, in fact had failed with a bid of around £15 million earlier in the summer for Downing, with Villa reported to be holding out for the magical £20 million mark.

New Villa manager Alex McLeish had recently said that the player was not for sale under any circumstances, talking in glowing terms of the former Middlesbrough player.

"He had a magnificent season last year and really came to full maturity as a top player. I understand why there are teams interested in him and that is what happens when you play well consistently," McLeish said only last week. "His performances last season were top drawer. That's why he's not for sale. The club don't want to sell him. I spoke to him briefly and I intend speaking to him again when all the lads are back in for training."

Liverpool announced the signing late on Friday night. Director of Football Damien Comolli told the club's official website: "I am very pleased. It has been a long process and long negotiations, but we have reached an agreement with Aston Villa and the player has signed for us. We are delighted."

"We needed that pace and wide player that can bring us something extra, which we did not have in the squad. He has the right mentality, the right attitude and was absolutely committed to coming to us, so we are delighted."

Comolli shared how his team would get the most out of Downing's ability, "When we have Andy up front, he can put those balls in, but also he's got more than that. He is more than a winger, he can do a lot of things. He can link up with Luis Suarez by coming in, he can play on the right and on the left. We look thoroughly into data and statistics before signing players and we really think we are bringing a big, big asset into our team. Maybe his talent is a little bit undervalued in English football, but we know what we are getting - and we are getting a very, very good, efficient footballer."

"He has pace, tricks, a great left foot, he can score, make assists and create a lot of things."

Liverpool heroes Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt were full of praise for the new signing. Carragher said, "It's a terrific signing, there's no doubt about that whatsoever. He's been a top player in the Premier League for the last six or seven years and he will definitely make a difference, with his ability to go outside and down the line to get quality crosses in."

Kuyt added, "When I arrived at Liverpool Football Club almost five or six years ago, we had two very good players who could play in the same position. I've just got a feeling we're getting back there. At a club like Liverpool, you have to have every position doubled up, and it looks like more or less in every position we have at least two players.

"There is more rivalry, there is more competition but that is what makes you better and gets the best out of you. I'm ready to have this competition with the players but we also have to stick together and make it one good team to challenge with the best."

Liverpool have had a busy summer thus far, having signed two other Britishers, youngster Jordan Henderson and former Tangerine Charlie Adam earlier, and with Downing's signature see their transfer spending this off-season reach close to £50 million.