Aston Villa boss McLeish must sell to replace Young - 7M sport

Aston Villa boss McLeish must sell to replace Young



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Posted Sunday, June 26, 2011 by People.co.uk

Aston Villa boss McLeish must sell to replace Young

Alex McLEISH is under pressure to find the perfect replacement for England star Ashley Young – but he will have to sell again to get his man.

Aston Villa’s new boss is worried Young’s £20million move to Manchester United will have a detrimental impact on star striker Darren Bent.

McLeish said: “Bent has been sensational but he needs the right service and we need people to supply that ammunition.

“Young is an international player and had a good relationship with Bent. They looked for each other so we have to find a replacement.”

But McLeish will have to let another star go before he buys – and that is putting pressure on him to flog England star Stewart Downing.

Big Eck took the Villa job to get away from the financial troubles at neighbours Birmingham City, but he has been told that the departure of Young is not the last of the exits.

The Scot is keen to line up new faces, including Blues pair Ben Foster and Scott Dann plus Manchester United’s Wes Brown – but he cannot afford to bid until he brings in more cash.

McLeish does not want to lose Downing but Liverpool could get their way if they reach the £20m price tag.

The Villa chief is trying to land keeper Matthew Gilks, with Brad Friedel going to Spurs at the end of this week, and Brad Guzan possibly on his way out.

And McLeish could try a budget move for Stoke winger Matthew Etherington.



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