Young in contract talks

Villa boss confident winger will sign new deal

Last updated: 3rd September 2008

Young Ashley

Young: In negotiations

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Martin O'Neill has revealed that negotiations are underway over a new deal for Ashley Young.

Some reports over the weekend suggested that Young had already put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract with Aston Villa.

O'Neill has denied that is the case but remains confident of keeping his influential winger.

"Nothing has been agreed but we are in negotiation," O'Neill said in the Birmingham Mail.

Villa do not have another game until the trip to Tottenham on 15th September and O'Neill is ready to sit down with a number of his players following the close of the transfer window.

However, O'Neill has insisted there is no need to hurry as he looks to secure Young's long-term future.

No problem

"I can spend the next week-and-a-half dealing with the issues I have wanted to deal with," he said.

"That means looking at the players who have got two years or less and those who I would like to keep at the football club.

"The best time to do it is to open those negotiations now. I have already spoken to Ashley's agent, so we will see where we go.

"I am hoping he is enjoying himself well enough here and that he would like to stay.

"He still has three years left to run. So it is not a major problem."

England backing

Young has not been included in Fabio Capello's England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia but O'Neill expects the 23-year-old to have a long and successful international career

"I am surprised but his time will come. Ashley would not be worrying himself about it - not at all," said O'Neill.

"If and when England qualify for the World Cup I am sure he will be on the plane to South Africa.

"He will be an old man by then though. He'll be at least 24!"