London, July 17 (DPA) Aston Villa confirmed that they have finalised the transfer for winger Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough.

The England international, who will be 25 next week, moves for a 12-million-pound ($19.7 million) fee.

'Villa have completed the signing of England international Stewart Downing,' a statement on the club website said. 'The four-year deal was finalised after the left-winger agreed terms and passed a medical test.

'Downing becomes Martin O'Neill's first summer signing and adds more quality to the manager's claret and blue squad.'

Downing is recovering from a broken bone in his foot and is unlikely to be available to play until October at the earliest.