From what I can gather many Villa fans are just getting a little bored of the Ashley Young fiasco at the moment as it has been pretty obvious that he is engineering a move for some time now, and why not?The new England hit has produced 3 man of the match performances in his last 3 senior international appearances, capped by a goalscoring second half display against Switzerland. His form for Capello’s side is probably a boost for both player and club as his valuation seems to be rising to around £20m with interest still thought to be high from Manchester United. I think most would agree that if we can get anything over £15m for the 25-year-old it would prove good business due to his contract situation.
The player revealed after the England game that he would be meeting with Randy Lerner to discuss his ‘future’ at the club, but all things considered I’d be more surprised if he stayed than if Fergie came to Villa Park, the manager or the singer! Ashley will be turning 26 soon and has reaffirmed his desire to play on the biggest stage, stating;
I’ve always had self-belief. I’ve always had the confidence I can play at the highest level.
“I want to test myself at World Cups, European Championships and the Champions League. As a kid you always want to play in the best competitions. As a kid I wanted to play in the Champions League – and hopefully one day I will.
“People say the prime of your careers is aged 25, 26, 27. I’m 26 next month so hopefully I’m coming into my prime.”
In the meantime, team-mate Darren Bent claimed that the Villa star was as good as level with the best player he has ever played alongside, Luka Modric, and added that he is not surprised to hear of interest from the ‘second best team in the world’, saying:
“He has shown people why clubs like Manchester United are after him and he is a top, top player. He has played the last four internationals and got three man of the matches so he is on fire at the moment. That’s why teams like United want him.
“I have always said the best player I have played with club-wise was Luka Modric
at Tottenham but Ash can’t be too far behind now, if not on a par with him.”
I am still trying little bits and bobs here and there to make him stay but at the end of the day he a top, top player and a top professional. If he wants to go and play for the second-best club side in the world, who is going to stop him?”
On a more positive note, Villa fans have been assured by their new star striker that they needn’t fear a quick departure from Darren Bent after his record signing in January. The England frontman insisted that he is happy at the club and is determined to settle down having grown “tired of moving around.”
“They (the fans) don’t need to worry about me. I’m tired of moving around. I am at Aston Villa
“It’s a shame that a big part of what brought me to the club, Gerard Houllier, has left. But at the same time I am committed to Aston Villa and I am looking forward to the season coming. Every time I go to the training ground, I get a buzz and hopefully it will continue next season.”
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