Liverpool and Manchester United are considering a move for Aston
Villa winger Ashley Young.
However, Villa manager Gerard Houllier is prepared for a fight
to keep his talisman and has said it will take an £80million offer
to secure his services in the January transfer window.
Young is happy at Villa and believes they have the makings of an
exciting team with a nucleus of young players, but interest from
Liverpool and United would turn his head.
Hands off: Aston Villa will demand £80m if Manchester
United and Liverpool table a bid for Young
Young has yet to sign a new contract with Villa and has just 18
months left on his current deal. Liverpool are keen to recruit top
young English players with a sprinkling of foreign talent and
believe Young can play a key role in their rebuilding.
United also admire Young’s profile, with his ability to play
either flank and down the middle. They may also be able to throw a
player into the equation, with Villa keen on Michael Carrick and
Darron Gibson. However, the key to either deal will be Villa’s
asking price and that may yet push negotiations towards the
summer.
Meanwhile, Villa’s assistant manager Gary McAllister was among
the crowd at Ibrox to see Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor in
Champions League action against Manchester United on Wednesday
night.
In demand: Villa are monitoring Rangers goalkeeper
Allan McGregor
Houllier’s number two was running the rule over the Scotland
international with Villa’s boss on the hunt to strengthen in the
goalkeeping department.
In other news, Aston Villa chief scout Jeff Vetere has been
joined by Lil Fuccillo at Villa Park.
The former Luton Town midfielder has linked up with Vetere again
after their spell together at Newcastle United.