Liverpool FC Targets Ashley Young To Erase Wing Play Problems?

As most fans already know, Liverpool FC's interest in Ashley Young is not a new issue.

Right from the time of Rafael Benitez, Liverpool had been involved in rumors linking the blistering winger to Anfield; however, thus far Aston Villa have been successful in holding onto their prized star.

The ex-Watford star was, however, a discovery of former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill. 

On Jan. 18, 2007, Aston Villa had an £8 million offer (rising to £9.75 million with add-ons), accepted—the club's record transfer fee. This allowed manager Martin O'Neill and the Aston Villa board to discuss personal terms with the player.

Two days later, O'Neill confirmed the player had agreed to join the club. Young underwent a medical on Jan. 21 and the signing was confirmed on Jan. 23, 2007.

From then onwards, Ashley Young has been a consistent performer for the Villans and became the first player in the Premier League era to win three player of the month awards in the same calendar year (2008).

In the past few years, though, Aston Villa's and consequently Ashley Young's aspirations may have taken a huge setback because of the departure of players like James Milner and Gareth Barry. The departure of the former was considered a chief reason for the exit of O'Neill.

Very recently, however, Ashley Young was apparently approached in a big way by the present Tottenham boss, Harry Redknapp, and although rumors of Spurs closing in on the Villan star reached its peak during the summer window, Redknapp has consequently laughed off any further interest in the player, citing other exciting prospects in his squad.

With his current contract set to expire at the end of this current season, Ashley Young, who also happens to be a fan of the former Arsenal star, Ian Wright, has constantly postponed any further extension talks, leading to a surge of interest in the player from the rival clubs.

There have also been rumors of the star's desire to buy out his present contract for 14m GBP, even though he is priced about 20-22m by his present club manager, Gerrard Houllier.

None more than Liverpool, though, who have now revitalized their financial prowess after being sold over to new owners NESV. 

Liverpool clearly needs to strengthen their squad in the winter and if Ashley Young does not sign an extension by January, Roy Hodgson, who favors English and Scandinavian players, is rumored to be very interested in making a bid for the player.

Going by Liverpool's current problems on the pitch and huge inability to control the wing play, Ashley Young, who is very well equipped with Premier League experience, could well be the solution to Liverpool's problems, no matter who stays at the helm.

Ashley Young himself, though, is pretty nonplussed with all the rumors doing the rounds, and promises to deliver for the fans on the pitch as of now.

However, the Villans must remember the story of James Milner, which happened not so long ago and though initially apparently reluctant, Milner did eventually quit Villa for City.

All said, Liverpool who now languish at the bottom of the table, must do a really good job to lure Young, as he had once earlier rejected a move to West Ham for a bigger money move just because the team had a relegation threat.

However, all the Liverpool fans would be really pleased to see the PFA Young Player of the Year 2009 make the move to the Red side of Merseyside, and should Liverpool bounce back as they have so many times in the past, this enigmatic winger could well be the best solution for Liverpool's wing-play problems in the long run.