Gerard Houllier accepts Ashley Young's decision to delay contract talks
Gerard Hullier, manager of Aston Villa, has said he accepts Ashley Young's decision to delay talks over his contract extension until the end of the season.
Houllier, who took charge of Villa in August, was recently told by Young that he did not want to enter discussions on his new deal until the end of the season. The winger currently has 18 months left on his contract.
"I am quite happy with what he has said," the manager told Villa's official website. "He loves the fans here, he enjoys his football and since I've come here, he's seen a different regime but he very much enjoys the way he is progressing. He wants to concentrate
on his football and talk about the contract at the end of the season, which to me is fine, it's better."
The Frenchman added that he would rather have Young concentrate on his football instead of being distracted by the progress of his negotiations, and that the club has no intention of selling the 25-year-old to another club.
"I've read that Tottenham are after him and they are closing in. But it's not a matter of selling him. We don't want to sell him. We want to keep him."
Impressed for O'Neill at Villa
Young rose to prominence at Villa during the 2007-2008 season, when Martin O'Neill was in charge of the club. The Englishman got 17 assists in the Premier League that year, second only to Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.
Fabio Capello recently handed Young his first competitive start for the English national team in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
Houllier said that Young, who made nine friendly appearances for England before the game against Montenegro, has the potential to play more regularly for Capello's team.
"I've always said he is not a proven international player but I want him to step up and I think he can do that and be a regular international player. There is a different level between the Premier League and international football. He is on the fringe of
the national team and I would like him to be one of the regular starters for the national team."
Villa travels to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday, 23 October. Young is expected to start the game.
Tags: