Aston Villa Forward Ashley Young Set To Sign One-Year Contract Extension

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier says Ashley Young will sign a one-year contract extension with the Birmingham-based club 'sooner rather than later'.

The new deal would see him given a £10,000 a week pay rise, making Young Villa's highest paid player on a reported £75,000 a week.

Young, who was linked strongly with Tottenham during the summer, is keen to sign the deal, which would see him commit to the club until 2013.

“We are virtually there,” said Houllier. “The good news should come sooner rather than later. This club must keep its top players.”

Houllier believes that Young has all the tools to be come an England regular for years to come.

"Ashley has international qualities. He is clever, reads the game well, works hard, is quick, has quick feet, can score goals, make goals and take part in moves to prepare goals.

"Whether he can play for the national team is not down to me to say yes or no. We want the player to step up another level. He is on the fringe of the international team. I want him to be a regular."

Young and Villa travel to Tottenham on Saturday looking for their third straight win since Houllier took charge.