Villa’s chances of signing Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas could hinge on the White Hart Lane club signing Fabian Delph.

Spurs are thought to have moved to the front of the queue for the Leeds teen prodigy, who ironically is already the subject of one failed bid of £6million from Villa.

But if 19-year-old Delph moves to North London that would pave the way for Nottingham-born Jenas, who is valued at around £10million, to make a return to the Midlands with manager Harry Redknapp eager to clear the decks at White Hart Lane.

But Villa are not interested in Spurs striker Robbie Keane, as finding a new centre-back and a midfielder remain Martin O’Neill’s priorities.

Redknapp would love any deals between the clubs to involve Ashley Young, but both Villa and player have made it clear he will be staying put.

Now the winger has handed Villa a further boost by suggesting he will see out the rest of his contract.

He said: “I’ve got two and a half years left, and I’m delighted to be playing at the club. I can see myself seeing out the rest of my contract here. Of course I can.”

O’Neill will not start the season with a touchline ban, although the Villa boss will be forced to watch tonight’s Peace Cup semi-final with Porto from the stands following Wednesday’s dismissal.