Despite repeated rejections from the Villa board and manager stating that the club may have to cash in on Ashley Young, more reports have been circulating that the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham will make January moves in an attempt to force Villa’s arm in the matter. For the third season in a row it has been suggested that the club will offload their best player, after worryingly similar scenarios transpired with regards to Gareth Barry and James Milner. With player power growing ever more significant in the game it seems that many look to allow their contracts to run in order to mastermind their desired wages or destinations and Ashley Young looks set to join the list. With 18 months left on his contract the Villa winger is in an ideal position to manipulate a supposed desired move to one of the top four. Villa stated that they would sooner let his contract run out then sell him in January earlier in the month but this has not stopped countless rumours.
According to one source United are closing in on a deal worth £13m, significantly less than the £80m price tag Houllier suggested in recent times. That price is surely way-off unless Houllier wants to face the wrath of even more angry fans than he currently does. Perhaps more feasibly and interestingly to that matter, it has been suggested that Tottenham are lining up a player’s plus cash move although the last one involving Stephen Ireland hasn’t exactly payed off as yet. The likes of Robbie Keane, David Bentley, Niko Kranjcar and Jamie O’Hara have all been touted as potential make-weights in a deal for the 25-year-old with two from above plus cash most likely. The Sun reported that a source at Tottenham has said:
“It’s no secret Harry is a big fan of Ashley Young and would like to take him.
“So he’s hoping the likes of Keane and Bentley could tempt Villa into doing business.
“That way Houllier gets a proven goalscorer and a like-for-like replacement, not to mention a few bob to add to his own kitty.”
I’d certainly take Kranjcar and probably Bentley, still unsure about Keane and O’Hara but I did like the midfield man at Portsmouth. All four you’ve got a deal I reckon! Thoughts?…
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