Liverpool are ready to join Tottenham in bidding to sign Ashley Young from Aston Villa, according to reports in the News of the World.
The winger is one of the best prospects in the league and Villa have reportedly rejected an opening £18m offer from Tottenham, saying it is nowhere near their £30m valuation of the player.
Now the door may be open for Liverpool to get involved as their move for Valencia midfielder David Silva has stalled.
However, while Villa are bracing themselves for Liverpool's offer, manager Martin O'Neill has said he does not want to see the player leave.
O'Neill insisted on Thursday: "There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories."
He added: "No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift."
