Young delays Villa contract decision

Young delays Villa contract decision

Published Oct. 22, 2010 2:42 p.m. ET

England winger Ashley Young has told Aston Villa he will not be signing a new contract with the club before the summer.

He told The Sun: "I've told the people at Villa that I won't be signing a new contract at the moment.

"I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there is plenty of time to talk next summer.

"I want to stress that I have no problem with Aston Villa. I love the fans and I'm very much enjoying my football.

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"I want to concentrate on what's happening on the field and don't want to get distracted.

"It's a big season for me and I'm hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager."

Villa, who replaced O'Neill with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier this season, sit eighth in the Premier League.

Young, who cost Villa just short of £10million as a 21-year-old, returned to the England team this month for the 0-0 draw with Montenegro.

While preparing for the Montenegro game, in which he made his first competitive start for his country, Young said: "I have said all along, I am happy with everything that is going on at Villa.

"I have two years left on my contract but the main focus for me is to concentrate on my football.

"I am delighted with the club, I am delighted with the manager and the new regime and the way things are going.

"I've got two years left of my contract and I'm just concentrating on the football side of things and I am sure everything will get sorted."

Young was the subject of intense speculation linking him with a summer move to Tottenham before the transfer window closed.

But Houllier had indicated earlier this month that he expected Young to commit his long term future to Villa "sooner rather than later".

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