Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill believes Ashley Young is
now worth £75 million.
O’Neill has been eager to play up Young’s credentials this
season, and the 23-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from
Real Madrid.
Young arrived from Watford two years ago in a £9 million deal
and O’Neill feels that fee was excessive in what he feels is
becoming an inflated market.
But he has warned any potential bidders that the England winger
will only leave Villa Park for a world record fee.
“If I thought eventually a player was going to be worth it then
I might pay over the odds, but I would have preferred to pay £5
million for Ashley at the time,” he told the News of the World.
“The fact that he’s worth 15 times that now is immaterial.”
O’Neill believes Manchester City – who have already signed Wayne
Bridge for around £12 million – have completely changed the way
clubs are approaching the market this month, but says Villa owner
Randy Lerner will not try to compete.
“If we are in for the same player, there is no way we can
compete with City,” he said.
“Definitely not.
“As a player in the market, Man City have made things
change.”
He added: “If the opening day is anything to go by, well, maybe
anything will go in this window.
“That is not the way Mr Lerner wants to run this football
club.”