Aston Villa made its first significant move of the transfer window, signing Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing for about $20 million. The Teessiders have accepted Villa's bid for the England international whose participation in the 2009-10 season may be delayed by a foot injury sustained toward the end of Boro's unsuccessful fight against relegation. The move for Downing heightens speculation that Villa might sell prize winger Ashley Young, last season's PFA Young Player of the Year.