Aston Villa 'close' to confirming Steven Gerrard's next summer deal

Ashley Young is reportedly “close” to agreeing a new contract with Aston Villa after reaching the end of his deal this summer.

The 36-year-old made 25 appearances for Villa last season after making his return to the club after a decade away from Villa Park . The former England international was utilised on both flanks as a full-back, as well as occupying a variety of positions across midfield.

Having been offered a one-year deal by Dean Smith after leaving Inter Milan, Young failed to sign a new contract before being officially released by Villa this summer. However, Steven Gerrard has been vocal about his wish to keep the veteran around for the upcoming campaign and reports suggest that Young is set to extend his stay.

John Percy of The Telegraph shared on social media that Villa are “increasingly confident of an agreement” over a new contract. The move is described as being “close” with the Villa boss said to view the deal a “key piece of summer business” due to Young’s influence within the squad.

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Predominantly operating as a left-back, it is a department where Villa still require reinforcements, with Lucas Digne currently the sole senior left-back at B6. Having been released, Young would technically become Villa’s fifth summer signing and provide back-up to the France international, following the £15millon sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle United.

Despite Gerrard ’s desire to tie Young to a new deal, Villa have been linked with several left-backs throughout the transfer window to provide fresh competition for Digne, including Rangers’ Calvin Bassey and Anderlecht’s Sergio Gomez. Although the Villa boss has been effusive in his praise of