Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Ashley Young’s Villa future in doubt
Friday 22nd October 2010, 12:00PM BST.
Villa winger Ashley Young has placed a question mark over his long-term future at the club after calling a halt to contract talks.
The 25-year-old, who has 20 months left on his current deal, has been in discussions over a new four-year agreement.
But Young has now put a stop to discussions, saying he wants to concentrate on playing.
He said: “I’ve told the people at Villa I won’t be signing a new contract at the moment.
“I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there’s plenty of time to talk next summer.
“I want to stress I have no problem with Villa. I love the fans and I’m very much enjoying my football.
“I want to concentrate on what’s happening on the field and don’t want to get distracted.
“It’s a big season for me and I’m hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager.”
Young, who cost Villa a then club record £9.65million in January 2007, has persistently been linked with Tottenham, where manager Harry Redknapp is a big admirer.
The Express & Star understands Villa are pretty relaxed about Young’s decision and don’t see it escalating into a Wayne Rooney-style situation.
But Young’s contract expires at the same time as Rooney’s – June 2012 – and the player’s change in stance may alter Villa’s approach.
The longer Young drags his feet over a new deal, the more his value will fall as he can leave for free at the end of his contract.
The club could choose to cash in on their star asset while they can, rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Villa have already seen star players Gareth Barry and James Milner leave for moneybags Manchester City over the last two summers.
Sponsored Links
UK Sport
Latest Blog — Microsoft Comes to the University of Wolverhampton
Last week Microsoft visited the University of Wolverhampton to give students the chance to develop their own phone apps that could be published on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Technology blog
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
expressandstar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Has he got the same Agent as Rooney…?
Report abuse
So Rooney’s tried it on and now it’s another overpaid child trying it on. Not wo!rth a bean
Report abuse