Villa set to offer Ashley Young in swap deal for Tottenham outcast Bentley

18 June 2009 08:52
Martin O'Neill weighing up a two-for-one deal that would bring Tottenham winger David Bentley to Aston Villa. One possibility is Ashley Young moving to White Hart Lane in an exchange deal also involving Tom Huddlestone or Didier Zokora. Villa boss O'Neill needs to replace midfielder Gareth Barry, who recently moved to Manchester City. Bentley, who had a disappointing season after his £15million transfer from Blackburn, recently said: 'I'm in talks with Villa at the moment but I really don't want to say much more. 'We'll see what happens. I'm hopeful of sorting it out as soon as possible.' Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is keen to strengthen his squad and pairing Young with Aaron Lennon would give them unrivalled wing power in the Barclays Premier League. O'Neill is reluctant to lose Young, the PFA Young Player of the Year, but knows he may have to do some wheeling and dealing with Redknapp so both clubs get what they want. Bentley's arrival would see James Milner move inside or even to the left if Young moves south. Spurs have the financial clout to increase Young's salary and the former Watford player will have noted Tottenham finished the season strongly while Villa's form faded over the final third of the season.

Source: Daily_Mail