Ashley Young transfer race

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to beat Liverpool in the race to sign Aston Villa star Ashley Young, according to reports.

Liverpool have made it clear that Young, whose stock has risen in recent weeks thanks to strong international performances against Wales and Ghana, is their top choice when the transfer window opens in the summer.

But now Manchester United have expressed an interest in the winger, he is said to have a preference for Old Trafford above Anfield.

Villa are said to be reluctant to let go of the promising player, who only has a year left on his current contract.

But they can console themselves with the fact he will probably bring in significantly more than the £9.75million they paid for him in 2007.

Reports suggest that the 25-year-old could fetch as much as £20million from one of the big Premier League sides.

Last week, Young's club-mate Darren Bent urged Villa to do everything they can to keep hold of the England star.

'Ashley has been playing really, really well this season and being linked to top, top sides,' he said.

'It's because of the form he is showing like against Wales that all these clubs are after him.

'The main thing is we can keep going, hang onto him for as long as possible and keep creating the chances for Villa and scoring goals.'

Source: Metro

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