Barcelona are eyeing Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
Sport says Barca will move for Young should they fail in their pursuit of Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery.
Barca management are attracted to Young's versatility, with the midfielder comfortable on both wings.
The European giants' interest has raised the prospect of Barca offering Alex Hleb in part exchange for Young, who Villa would demand in excess of £20 million for.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are lining up summer bids for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.
The Spanish giants are battling to sign Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich, but have Young lined up as an alternative once the France star chooses his destination.
Madrid's interest in England star Young stretches back to last summer, but Barca have now entered the race amid fears that Real advisor Zinedine Zidane will convince Ribery to sign on at the Bernabeu.
Flying man: Ashley Young has been in irresistable form for Aston Villa since joining them from Watford, and has earned international recognition (below)
Pep Guardiola admires Young's ability to play on either flank and Nou Camp insiders believe he would be available for about £22million.
Barca would be prepared to offer a part-exchange deal with Alexander Hleb, the former Arsenal player who is keen on a return to England after conceding he has no future at his present club.
Former Watford star Young, 24, has gained international attention after breaking into Fabio Capello's England side and he looks a shoo-in for the World Cup.
Given the tensions surrounding Martin O'Neill's relationship with the Villa fans and club owner Randy Lerner, he is likely to be none too pleased about a move for one of his star men.
In 43 appearances this season, he has scored nine and notched 13 assists.
IMHO, I think he is just slightly above average. David Silva would be a better alternative since he already knows the style of the La Liga. Plus he will fit in nicely with the all Spanish team at Barca. Ashley Young would be the only Englishman at Barca if he really does join them.
Barcelona better get both silva and villa lar. ibrahimovic is not very clinical.
these days ppl are getting avg english players and value them much higher then what english team deem
Ashley young is fast, but physically he is weaker in term of challenging for the ball, Ribery is much better lor, certainly more intelligent versatile than a typical english player like Ashley who are train to do those english style of crossing from wing footaball and hope for the best.
Originally posted by Rooney9:Barcelona better get both silva and villa lar. ibrahimovic is not very clinical.
lol..like that machiam international spain squad liaos..
xavi..inist..busquet..puyol..pique..~
Originally posted by SGporkz:lol..like that machiam international spain squad liaos..
xavi..inist..busquet..puyol..pique..~
why not. it can only be good for barcelona and spain isnt it, where they play and train daily, wouldnt it foster more understanding for the national team? where xavi knows where villa start to make a run and pass the ball to him to score.
Originally posted by Rooney9:why not. it can only be good for barcelona and spain isnt it, where they play and train daily, wouldnt it foster more understanding for the national team? where xavi knows where villa start to make a run and pass the ball to him to score.
haha... sounds cool..but just feel so werid...defeats the purpose of club liao... i think a club should have pple from everywhere coming together .. lol..
right now in barce is xavi n messi lo..this duo...
villa is with sliva ..at valencia.