Liverpool frustrated as Young deal collapses

Luke Young's proposed transfer to Liverpool collapsed yesterday, leaving the full-back facing an uncertain future at Aston Villa.

Liverpool had agreed a £2.5m fee with Villa on Tuesday for the former England international but there were suggestions that Young was unable to agree personal terms at Anfield as well as being reluctant to relocate to the north.

The news will come as a disappointment to Liverpool and Villa. Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager, was keen to bring in the experienced defender to improve his options at full-back and also increase his quota of home-grown players, while Villa were eager to move on one of their higher earners as they look to reduce their £70million annual wage bill.

Young was earning more than £2m a year at Villa and has three years remaining on his contract, with further signing-on fees due over the course of that period.

Liverpool had initially indicated Young would have to lower his demands, which have deterred interest from other clubs this summer, although when Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, reported earlier in the week that a bid had been accepted it began to look like a deal might go through. That is no longer the case, leaving Young to continue his pre-season training in Portugal with Villa and O'Neill cursing a missed opportunity to free up some money.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.