O'Neill targets winger deal

Martin O'Neill is ready to secure the long-term future of Ashley Young by getting him tied down to a new improved deal.

The Aston Villa boss has just secured the futures of Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew and now wants to make sure that Young is tied down for many years as rival clubs start to show an interest.

Talks are due to begin and O'Neill is confident of a swift outcome.

"Ashley has been fantastic for us," O'Neill revealed. "I'm pleased Gabby and John have signed new contracts and we've got a couple more players that we are looking to do exactly the same with - with Ashley Young being one of them.

"We are in conversation about that. I don't think the chairman (Randy Lerner) has any major problem about sorting out wages for people if they are doing the business week in and week out on the pitch.

"It means he will get a new contract. Ashley hasn't come and asked for anything. He has got a number of years left to run on his contract but I'd like to sort him out and I am sure he is enjoying his football here which is great."