Reds leading the way for Villa aces

Liverpool have been linked with Aston Villa pair Stewart Downing and Ashley Young, with Young the more likely summer target.

Downing will still have two years left on his contract at the end of the season and Villa are keen to tie him down to a longer deal, with a summer sale unlikely due to the situation regarding his current deal.

However, Young has so far refused to sign a contract extension and his current deal comes to an end in the summer of 2012.

The Midlands side seem resigned to losing the winger and are expected to cash in on Young in the summer rather than see him leave as a free agent at the end of his deal, while Villa owner Randy Lerner is unlikely to sanction moves for both Downing and Young.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old and a proven winger is believed to be high on Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish's list of targets as he bids to build a side capable of challenging for the title next season, with Dalglish expected to be named as the club's permanent manager at the end of the campaign.

Despite the fact he will have just one year remaining on his deal Young is expected to command a fee in the region of £15million as there will be plenty of interest in his services.

Liverpool are said to be the front-runners according to a number of sources but Manchester United and Spurs have also been credited with an interest and there could well be a three-way battle for Young's signature in the summer.

Source: Clubcall

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