The versatile 31-year-old has started in his preferred right-back position in both Villa's Premier League games so far this season, against Fulham and Blackburn. But he has been allowed to talk to Neil Warnock's side as they seek to rebuild under new owner Tony Fernandes. The Hoops are also awaiting Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton's decision after he underwent a medical ahead of a proposed move, and have also been linked with Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Young has been with Villa since the summer of 2008, making 78 appearances and scoring two goals. He was utilised on either flank of Martin O'Neill's defence in his first season at the club but was largely limited to filling in on the left during the following campaign as Carlos Cuellar was preferred at right-back. After turning down a move to Liverpool in July 2010, he re-established himself on the right until knee and groin injuries saw him sidelined for around three months, eventually returning to play a key role in the closing stages of last season.
