Ashley Young ‘rejects Newcastle as ex-Man Utd ace wants to stay at Aston Villa’

ASTON VILLA ace Ashley Young has turned down a transfer offer by Newcastle, reports suggest.

That is according to the Mirror, who report that Young rejected the Magpies’ advances as he prefers to stay at Villa.

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The former Manchester United star’s contract runs out in June but he has told manager Steven Gerrard that he has no intention to move during the January transfer window.

Newcastle have been dealt with a fresh transfer blow as they are trying to strengthen their squad amid an ongoing Premier League relegation scrap.

Watford were also keeping tabs on the versatile ace, who can operate at full-back as well as midfield.

Gerrard is not keen on losing the 36-year-old, whom he treats as Villa’s de facto captain due to his experience.

The 41-year-old head coach recently said: “I know Ashley extremely well and he’s been absolutely outstanding since we walked through the door. Not just on the training pitch but his leadership and standard-setting.

“We see players like him as an outer-layer of the staff, if you like, who really help us when we need to lean on him.

“The big thing about Ash is he can play right-back, left-back, he can play as an eight, a 10 or wide.

“That’s what good players allow you to do as a manager, allow you to play in different ways.”

Young rejoined Villa from Inter Milan last summer and signed a one-year deal with the club.

The former England international has since amassed a total of two assists in 13 appearances.

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