Villa move closer to Young deal

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) — Aston Villa had their bid for Watford striker Ashley Young - reported to start at eight million pounds - accepted by their English Premiership rivals. Young, has been given permission by the league's basement club to speak to Villa manager Martin O'Neill, whose side are at home to Watford on Saturday.

Earlier this week the 21-year-old Young turned down a move to the Hornets' fellow strugglers West Ham after the clubs had agreed a fee said to be worth 9.65 million pounds. Villa are only seven points clear of the relegation zone themselves but O'Neill has been given money by the club's wealthy American owner Randy Lerner to spend during this month's transfer window. Young made his Watford debut in September 2003 and the following season was voted...