Manchester City have launched an audacious bid to hijack
Ashley Young’s transfer to Manchester United.
People Sport understands the Aston Villa winger is in such
advanced talks over a move to Old Trafford that contracts are
already being drawn up.
But that hasn’t put off ambitious City, who met with Young’s
representatives last week in attempt to change the 25-year-old’s
mind.
United remain favourites to land the England international, who
is said by friends to have set his heart on a move to the Premier
League champions after being told he will become Ryan Giggs’
long-term successor on the left wing.
City know that in capturing Young they would not only add a
major talent to their squad but also achieve the double whammy of
denying United his services.
The tactic of weakening other sides by signing their best
players was introduced by Mark Hughes during his reign at
Eastlands, and is a policy the club will clearly maintain.
The fact City believe they can tempt Young to choose them is
also further proof of the lofty ambitions within the corridors of
power at the club.
United, however, will believe that winning this battle will be a
reminder to City, particularly timely given last weekend’s FA Cup
victory for the Blue Moonies, that they are still top dogs in
Manchester and, indeed, the Premier League.