Manchester United eye Villa’s Ashley Young after he proves too rich for Liverpool

Alex Ferguson has his eye on Ashley Young, despite a price tag of £80 million - a figure too high for Anfield.

Liverpool had been linked with the Villa winger, but their old boss Gerard Houllier has put a price tag on Young that means he's no longer thought to be on Roy Hodgson's wishlist.

Houghton is believed to have been willing to pay £25million in order to get a partner for star player Fernando Torres.

Once the transfer window opens, John W Henry of Reds new owners NESV has promised a war chest of around £35million.

Young has just 18 months left on his contract, causing rival teams to eye up the Midlands-based star, probably hoping for a bargain.

Grumpy Gerry has put paid to such hopes with his astronomical valuation, indicating he wants those clubs that are circling to back off.

Man U are believed to be willing to throw in Michael Carrick or Darron Gibson as a deal sweetner, according to reports in the Daily Mail.