LIVERPOOL FC are closing in on finally capturing the signature of Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing – as new boy Charlie Adam thanked Kenny Dalglish for keeping the faith.

Dalglish and LFC director of football Damien Comolli have targeted Downing as the answer to the team’s troublesome left wing position.

The Anfield outfit have already seen bids of £12.5million and £15m rejected by Villa, who are demanding a £20m package for the 26-year-old.

New Villa manager Alex McLeish doesn’t want to lose the England international but privately accepts the player’s departure is inevitable given his refusal to sign a new contract and desire to move to Merseyside despite late interest from Arsenal.

And Liverpool are now preparing to firmly test Villa’s resolve with an improved third offer for the former Middlesbrough man.

Dalglish and his squad arrived in China yesterday to start their Far East tour, the first game of which is against Chinese second division team Guangdong Sunray Cave tomorrow.

Among the travelling party is Adam, who completed his £6.75m move from Blackpool last week after the Tangerines rejected Liverpool’s initial advances for the player in January.

Adam admitted it was a “tough” period for him during the winter transfer window when Blackpool handed him a prohibitive price tag that scuppered hopes of a move to Anfield.

The player eventually rediscovered his form but could not prevent the Tangerines being relegated on the final day, prompting Liverpool to renew their interest.

And a grateful Adam is now looking forward to his opportunity at Anfield.