Aston Villa have opened talks with talented winger Ashley Young in a bid to keep him at the club.

The 25-year old emerged as a target for Tottenham in the summer but Villa denied them a clear run at the player and now want to sew him up to a fresh deal.

Young is currently contracted until 2012 but Villa officials are keen to offer him more money so he will commit himself to a long-term deal.

It is believed that Young is preferring to consider his options once he sees how the club is faring under new boss Gerard Houllier.