Villa to offer Young new deal

Aston Villa will offer Ashley Young a bumper new contract – to keep him out of the clutches of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Villa supremo Randy Lerner does not want to lose England star Young and has priced him out of a transfer in this window, but now his money-men are putting together a lucrative package for him.

Lerner is prepared to make a huge offer to Young, making him the highest-paid player at the club, to get him to commit his long-term future in the wake of Villa's ­upturn in results.

Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli watched Young, 25, score the winner at Wigan in midweek but the Anfield club will not go to £15million for Young despite their declared interest.

And United chief Sir Alex Ferguson has also thrown his hat into the ring, although Young is just one of several targets for him now - and in the summer.

Villa hope Young will take the money on offer rather than have the doubts about his next move hanging over his head.

The Midlands outfit want to have a strong second half of the season after their early troubles. A pal of the Villa star said last night: "Ashley was looking to go a couple of months ago but things have changed.

"He was really chuffed about being skipper in midweek."

Source: The People

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