Kenny will Stew on £100m spree

KENNY DALGLISH will smash through the £100million barrier to make sure Stewart Downing does not slip through the net.

England winger Downing is the Kop chief's most wanted man but Aston Villa have steadfastly refused to budge from their £20m valuation.

The Reds have already had two bids turned down, with Villa knocking back their latest offer of £15m a week ago.

But now Anfield sources insist they are poised to return with a package that will reach the asking price - and take the spending since Dalglish returned in January to that magic £100m figure.

Six months ago, owner John W Henry splashed out £58m for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

This summer, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have cost another £25m.

Liverpool are prepared to cough up after Arsenal entered the race for Downing a week ago.

Brazilian stopper Doni is set to arrive as back-up to Pepe Reina, on a free from Roma.

But it is the imminent arrival of Downing, 27 next Friday, which has raised hopes of a genuine charge for honours this season.

The England star could even complete a deal this week, despite Liverpool being in Asia for their pre-season tour.

Downing has his heart on a move to Anfield. He refused to sign a new deal at Villa Park and insiders at the Midlands club believe he may have a medical within the next 48 hours.

Villa boss Alex McLeish is already lining up a cut-price replacement for Downing.

Inter Milan winger McDonald Mariga, 24, will cost just £2.5m.

Italian sources say that the deal for the Kenyan international 'is the very next piece of business for Milan'.