Roy Hodgson 'targets' Aston Villa player for first Watford transfer

New Watford boss Roy Hodgson is reportedly keen on making a move for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Hodgson replaced the sacked Claudio Ranieri on Tuesday with the remit of rescuing the relegation-threatened Hornets from the drop.

Watford's third manager of the season, Hodgson has less than a week to bring in players he feels can aid his side's bid to avoid an immediate relegation from the Premier League.

The website TEAMtalk reports that Young is being 'targeted' by Hodgson as a player that Watford could realistically sign.

Young was a regular when Hodgson was given the England job in 2012 and appeared 11 times for him and a move to Watford could be on the cards.

Watford are said to have been keen on the 36 year-old before he decided to leave Inter Milan for a return to Villa in the summer.

Young was signed by former Villa manager Dean Smith to bring experience and versatility with the player able to play on the wing and at full-back.

He has not played for Villa since a 2-0 win at Norwich City on December 14.

Young had played in Steven Gerrard 's first six matches but has been on the bench or not in the matchday squad for either of the past five games.

Young began life under Gerrard with two assists in as many matches.

“He’s been brilliant since I walked in the door," Gerrard said.

“I expected nothing else. I’ve played with Ashley. I know what his standards and his levels are like, but he deserved the start today.

“He earned that start. I thought he came in last week and did really well. He’s trained well and backed that up. Everything we’ve asked for, to the letter, he has done."

The arrival of Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona may push Young towards an exit, though, with the player's contract up at