Houllier: Hands-off Young

Published Nov. 21, 2010 7:15 a.m. ET

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Spurs have been linked with the England international in the past and speculation resurfaced recently after it was confirmed that the 25-year-old has put contract talks on hold at Villa Park. But - speaking ahead of his side's clash at Blackburn on Sunday - Houllier insists the winger is going nowhere. The French tactician told the Daily Star Sunday: "Every time a player is available, Tottenham are mentioned. "I'm sure Harry Redknapp must be wondering what's going on. "But I can tell you the reports about Ashley and Spurs are not keeping me awake at night. "That's because I can say here and now that Ashley Young will not be going anywhere in January. Absolutely not. "They would have to buy this club for that to happen. They would have to come in with a ridiculous amount of money." Houllier, who has coached the French national team in the past and assisted Aime Jacquet in helping Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup, believes Young must get his head down and work hard on the pitch to make himself into an international regular. He added: "To be consistently picked at international level you need to be very good at club level. "This is the target for Ashley. He's not there yet but I am sure he will make it. "He just needs to repeat his outstanding games to take that step to the next level. "It's all about consistency. Simple as that."