Steven Gerrard will not stand in his way if Ashley Young wants to seal a last-ditch transfer away from Aston Villa, amid interest from Newcastle United, Watford and Norwich City.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who report Gerrard does not consider Young to be a part of his long-term plans. The 36-year-old has so far only played six times since the Villans fired Dean Smith in November. He also last featured on December 14, making his fourth start.
Smith had signed Young for the Villans last summer after the former England international left Inter Milan. But he only fielded the 2020/21 Serie A champion on six occasions, starting five. Young also failed to create under the now-Norwich boss to two assists under Gerrard.
Young offered his assists during Gerrard’s first two games with Aston Villa to beat Brighton and Crystal Palace. But he has not featured in the West Midlands outfit’s last five matches.
Aston Villa are now willing to let Young leave in the final days of the transfer window, with Newcastle, Watford and Norwich eying deals. They will also let the 39-cap Three Lions star go for free, as his contract expires in June and they will not use their option to extend.
Gerrard will let Young find a new club for free on the guarantee that his wage is covered in full. He penned a £50k-a-week deal upon re-joining to the Birmingham outfit last summer.
Newcastle, Norwich, Watford to battle for free transfer of Aston Villa’s Young
Roy Hodgson is driving Watford’s interest in a transfer for Aston Villa’s Young after taking charge at Vicarage Road. The midfielder had rejected the Hornets under Claudio Ranieri to join the Villans in July. Now, Norwich and Newcastle will show some competition, as well.
Smith wants a reunion with Young at Norwich, despite rarely relying on him after his Aston Villa transfer. While Newcastle feel Young would be a valuable addition in the last days of the transfer window, if he leaves Aston Villa, as they fight to stay in the Premier League.
Gerrard’s praise for Young since replacing Smith at Aston Villa also points to why Norwich, Watford and Newcastle are interested in a last-ditch transfer, which may not need a fee.
“He’s shown fantastic leadership around the training ground,” Gerrard said, via the Villans’ website. “He’s a standards setter. The young lads look up to him and he’s got a big part to play. He is someone we have to manage because we have to respect where he’s at.
“He’s been perfect for me and us as a group of staff. When you come into a new club, you need players in the dressing room you can lean on to be an outer version of your staff to send the right messages and to lead in the right way. Ash has been fantastic.
“I thought he was terrific at the weekend [against Crystal Palace], but it’s no surprise to me. Not only have I competed against Ash, but I’ve shared a dressing room with him for England, so I was very much aware that he’d help me.”
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