Tottenham Hotspur open talks over Ashley Young
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered into discussions with English Premier League rivals Aston Villa over the transfer of winger Ashley Young. It has been said that Spurs are ready to offer £20m for the player, but his wage demands could prove a stumbling block to any deal being struck.
It has been reported that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been in talks with Villa board members over a deal that would see £11m-rated Republic of Ireland international striker Robbie Keane move in the opposite direction as a sweetener.
Young is said to have urged the Villa hierarchy to allow him to move to Harry Redknapp's team in London. Levy has reportedly said he is willing to match Young’s current £65,000 per week pay on a five-year contract. However, Young – who featured for England in their recent 2-1 friendly win over Hungary - is said to be looking for a £75,000 per week package that would make him Spurs’ highest-earning player above Luka Modric (£70,000 per week) and Keane.
Wage structure
With Spurs having a rigid wage structure that Levy is unwilling to break and Villa’s future unclear after the sudden departure of manager Martin O’Neill, the talks appear to have stalled.
Spurs have the attraction of possibly playing in the UEFA Champions League should they progress from a play-off qualifying round, while Young has not been willing to discuss an extension to his Villa contract, which has two years left to run.
Huge weapons
Redknapp sees Young as one of the three players he reckons he needs to challenge for the title this season, with the winger's crossing skills and quick pace down the left both huge weapons. Spurs made two bids for Young last summer, but both were knocked back by Villa executives.
Though Villa would be reluctant to sell Young, the club have a ‘sell-to-buy’ policy in place and cannot bring in fresh faces until some of the squad depart. That Keane would be included in the deal makes the prospect a little more enticing for the Birmingham club and the £9m or so cash they would receive could also be used to strengthen the squad.
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