London  - have agreed a fee of 12 million pounds (19.7 million dollars) for Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, it was reported by British media on Wednesday.

With Downing recovering from surgery on a fractured bone in his foot, it had been thought he would not leave Middlesbrough, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, until January.

But with his surgeon "very pleased" with his progress, Villa manager Martin O'Neill is understood to be keen to sign the England international as soon as possible.

Villa are also reported to be keen on Middlesbrough's 8-million-pound rated forward Tuncay Sanli. (dpa)