Ashley Young and Stewart Downing target bigger challenges ahead

Posted Wednesday, June 01, 2011 by theguardian.com

• 'I always want to challenge myself,' claims Young
• Downing 'not sure' where his future lies

Ashley Young and Stewart Downing target bigger challenges ahead
Stewart Downing and Ashley Young could be on their way out of Aston Villa this summer.

The sense of uncertainty surrounding Aston Villa has deepened further after two of the club's key players, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, delivered strong suggestions that they will seek to leave over the summer.

The pair, who are preparing for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland, have attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool though Villa would be reluctant to lose both. Downing, who has two years to run on his contract, surprised the club's hierarchy by confirming his reluctance to commit long-term last month, yet the more likely departure is Young, who is entering the final 12 months of his deal and has offered no indication that he is willing to extend his stay.

The forward, a £9.65m signing from Watford in 2007 and a player who now appears key to the national team, intends to outline his intentions after the fixture against the Swiss on Saturday. "I've always said I am going to talk to the chairman and the manager after this game," he said. "That's where we are. I have given 100% in every game I have played for Aston Villa and I'll continue to do that.

"It's always nice to have speculation, but I just have to concentrate and focus on England's game and prepare as I always do for a game. My focus is on England. I've never doubted my ability. My opinion is that I can play in the biggest and the best competitions. I always want to challenge myself. And to challenge myself is to play in those big competitions – hopefully, one day, I'll be able to do that."

While there is an acceptance at Villa that Young is likely to leave – even if the owner, Randy Lerner, will seek as much as £15m for his services – Gérard Houllier's successor as manager would not have anticipated having to persuade Downing to remain at the club. The £12m signing from Middlesbrough was voted Villa's player of the year for this season, but indicated last week that he would not be discussing new terms at the club.

However, if he is frustrated in his desire to depart for a fresh challenge, he insists he will emulate Gareth Barry's professionalism by giving his all to the side until permitted to move. Asked whether he expected to start next season at Villa Park, Downing said: "I'm not sure. My agent had a meeting with the club and he just felt it wasn't the right time to sign my contract. I've still got two years to go, so I've still got a long time to go. So I just decided to leave it as it is. We expressed our feelings, and they said to me they're going to improve the team and the squad. So, as far as I know, I'll still be reporting back for pre-season because I've heard nothing."

Much could yet depend on the identity of Houllier's successor and the level of squad re-building pursued over the summer. "If I don't move and I stay, I'll get on with the job as normal," he said. "I'll do my best and give 100%. If the fans want to be loud and clear with what they think of me, then that's fine. I'll still give my best because I'm employed to do so. But all players want to play at the highest level and in the biggest competitions. With England as well, all the top players play in good teams. I'm no different. You just want the best for your career. You want to finish with medals at the end of it so I'm ready for the step up.

"You sit and watch the Champions League at home, and listen to that music come on, and you see the teams and think: 'That's where I want to be.' It's the pinnacle. It's the best. It's the best standard with the best players. I'm no different. I'm sure other players are the same as well. It would be nice to do that one day."