Tottenham intensify pursuit of Aston Villa winger Ashley Young

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their pursuit of Ashley Young and considering tabling a formal offer for the England international as they seek to capitalise on the growing uncertainty at Aston Villa. Young has been on Harry Redknapp's radar for some time and Spurs hope their progress into the Champions League group stage and Villa's elimination from the Europa League will help to convince the winger he would be better off at White Hart Lane. Randy Lerner, the Villa chairman, is, however, determined to keep Young after already losing James Milner to Manchester City and will strongly resist any approach. Young has entered into contract talks with Villa over an extended and improved four-year deal but the club's proposal has been rejected. Discussions are expected to resume once the transfer window closes but Young is keen for his future to be resolved before then. Tottenham are unlikely to be able to offer Young a substantial wage increase – he is earning £65,000 a week at Villa Park – but the club appear to be moving in a different direction to Villa on the field. Young has been concerned at Villa's poor start and the lack of progress over a new manager. He cut a frustrated figure at times against Newcastle United on Sunday and again against Rapid Vienna last night. Whether that would be enough to convince him to push for a move if Tottenham's interest resulted in an offer remains to be seen. Villa are expected to stand firm between now and the end of the transfer window, with Lerner aware he would be risking a backlash from the supporters if he cashed in on another leading player at a time when the club are going through a difficult spell.