US Edition Werner and owner John W Henry were so impressed by YouTube clips of the England international slotting balls into five wheelie bins from long range that they decided to make an offer to Villa for the left-footed midfielder. They later found out the video was doctored.
"There was some footage of Stewart where he was, from 30 yards away, kicking a football into five different trash cans and it was brilliant," said Werner.
"John and I said: 'Oh my God, this player is brilliant, we've got to figure out a way to make a deal with him'."
It was only later that Werner and Henry realised the footage had been digitally enhanced as part of a campaign to boost season ticket sales at Villa.
However, this didn't stop Downing completing his £20m move to Anfield, although the transfer hasn't proved a success yet with the 27 year-old still to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.