Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is launching a bid for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

The News of the World says the lure of a Premier League title challenge and Champions League action at Anfield will be tough for Young to resist, especially in a World Cup season.

Benitez and Martin O'Neill fought a bitter transfer war over Gareth Barry 12 months ago. The Villa boss frustrated Benitez on that occasion, when the Anfield board refused to meet the midfielder's £18m valuation.

This time Benitez can expect the funds to get his man, although Villa recently slapped a £30m price tag on the 24-year-old.