England midfielder Ashley Young appears to be keeping his options open after shelving new contract talks at Aston Villa until the summer (Villa 12/1 – Top Four Finish).
The pacey forward has less than two years left on his deal having arrived at Villa Park from Watford for big money back in 2007.
Signed by former boss Martin O’Neill, Young has gone on to establish himself as a key first-team player for the Villans while he has also won 10 caps for the Three Lions.
The 25-year-old insists he is happy at Villa but says he is determined to concentrate on matters on the pitch rather than get distracted by contract talks.
Young told The Sun: “I’ve told the people at Villa that I won’t be signing a new contract at the moment.
“I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there is plenty of time to talk next summer.
“I want to stress that I have no problem with Aston Villa. I love the fans and I’m very much enjoying my football.
“I want to concentrate on what’s happening on the field and don’t want to get distracted.
“It’s a big season for me and I’m hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager.”
Villa (9/5 – 90 minutes betting) take on Sunderland (11/8) at the Stadium of Light as they look to better their current position of eighth in the Premier League after eight games of the season.
Last weekend the Villans held leaders Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Villa Park but it is away from home where Gerard Houllier’s men have struggled, with three defeats on the road already.
Villa are boosted by the return of striker Emile Heskey (back) and midfielder Marc Albrighton (illness) while centre-half Richard Dunne is also available despite being forced off with a gashed ankle last time out (Heskey 8/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).
Houllier is still without forward Gabriel Agbonlahor and full-back Luke Young because of groin and hamstring problems respectively.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.