Top Four May Fancy Young Move

Last updated : 06 July 2009 By Tom Vickers

Villa wing wizard Ashley Young continues to be linked with a move away from the club with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly interested in the player.

Although there has been no firm confirmation of any interest from either side, it is very easy to speculate that Young may not be a wearing Claret and Blue come the start of the new campaign on August 15.

The former Watford star has recently broken into the England setup and a fine second half performance against Andorra last month did his 2010 World Cup chances no harm.

But, should he move to a top four side, Young will almost be guaranteed of a place on the plane to South Africa and he may follow in Michael Owen's footsteps with a move to Old Trafford.

Owen, who was strongly linked with a summer switch to Villa, now sees his own England chances improved with Capello more likely to pick a player from the top four than someone outside of the English pantheon.

Improving

However, Capello has openly admitted that he is drawn to Villa Park due to the plethora of Englishmen who currently reside there and Young could do worse than play another full season of first team football for Martin O'Neill's improving side.

O'Neill may be tempted if an offer of around £25m is tabled by Sir Alex Ferguson or Carlo Ancelotti but he will be much more inclined to keep the player who he labelled as world class at one stage during the last campaign.

Young, who cost his current employers around £10m, is worthy of a high price tag and with Cristiano Ronaldo being sold to Real Madrid for a reported £80m, Villa will undoubtedly hold out for a big fee.

Ferguson may want Young to replace the Portuguese ace but his latest target, who was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year last season, will not come cheap.