Villa braced for Ashley Young interest

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is expecting "great interest" in Ashley Young over the next fortnight - but has no intention of letting the winger leave.

James Milner has been the player attracting most of the headlines this summer, with Manchester City keen to snare the versatile England midfielder.

O'Neill is prepared to sell Milner if the price is right and is now bracing himself for a fight to keep Young, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

The former Watford wide man enjoyed a tremendous 2008-09 campaign and O'Neill believes he was just as effective last term.

And the manager is determined to hold on to all his key men so hopes to go into the new season with Young still at his disposal.

He said: "In the next couple of weeks I'm sure there will be great interest in Ashley, who has been fantastic for us.

"I felt myself that his form last season was every bit as good as in the previous year.

"Not everybody agreed with that but I thought Ashley was different class.

"Our job is, first and foremost, to keep the players. If that is the case then that is great.

"If that is not the case then obviously we have to get that valuation that we put on players and get as close to it as possible."