Aston Villa's Ashley Young Will Not Be Sold in the January Transfer Window

Aston Villa's manager Gerard Houllier has confirmed that Ashley Young will not be sold in the January transfer window, despite interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

Young currently has 18 months remaining on his existing contract. He was reportedly close to signing an improved contract in October which would have kept at Villa Park for four more years, given him a £500,000 annual pay rise and contained a clause that allowed him to leave Villa if a predetermined transfer fee was offered.

Young pulled out of signing a deal, and informed the club that he would not be interested in returning to the negotiating table until next summer. 

The 25-year-old is on his way to having another fantastic season with Aston Villa. Since Houllier has come in as manager, Young has been frequently playing as a link player between the midfield and the lone striker.

This is a stark contrast to Young's history of most frequently playing on one of the wings. The tactical change makes Young more of a linchpin for Villa's attacks, reflecting his importance in unlocking defenses for the young side.

"Ashley won't go in January," Houllier said. "We are hoping we can keep him [in the long-term]. The club's will is to keep him."

Houllier's admiration for the former Watford player is apparent by drawing comparisons to Liverpool great Steve McManaman.

"It would be brave to hang on to him [until the end of his contract] but I'm brave and I think Mr Lerner is too. I think it would be good to keep him. Steve McManaman went to Real Madrid, we [Liverpool] decided to keep him, but the offer he got was too big. He was fantastic in that remaining time. Sometimes it pays to hang on to players because you think you will finish in a better position."

Considering the caliber of teams that have expressed interest in Young, it will be interesting to see what he decides to do with 18 months remaining in his contract.