Liverpool leading the race for Young

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Young has refused to discuss a contract extension until the season is over, but with only a year left on his contract the winger appears set for a move away from Villa Park.

Hierarchy at Villa have resigned to losing the England International reports the Guardian, but with United not able to guarantee first team football, it appears Fergie may miss out on the former Watford man who could leave for a reported £15million.

Dalglish sees Young as the perfect playmaker to provide Andy Carroll with ammunition next season and has also been linked with club team mate Stewart Downing, but Villa will be desperate to hold onto Downing who has been excellent form this season, which recently earned him a recall to the England setup.