McLeish: Young gone, Downing to stay?

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has conceded winger Ashley Young is on his way out from the club, but he wants to keep Stewart Downing.

Young, 25, reportedly completed a medical at Manchester United on Wednesday and is set for a move to Old Trafford.

McLeish, unveiled as Villa manager on Monday, said he had all but given up hope of keeping the 15-time England international.

“It’s not confirmed yet but it does seem likely,” he told the Birmingham Mail on Thursday.

“In my humble opinion it will be very difficult (to keep him).”

United striker Michael Owen, 31, has already hailed Young’s possible arrival at Old Trafford.

He tweeted: “I see Ashley Young has undergone a medical today. Let’s hope everything goes well as he would be a great signing for us.”

McLeish does not want to lose left winger Downing, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

“No chance do we want Stewart Downing to go. We certainly don’t want to lose Stewart – he’s a top player,” the Scot said.

“I need to see what Stewart’s thinking when he comes back because I know that he made some comments when he was away on England duty.”

“I’ll have a chat with one or two in the coming days and weeks before pre-season training starts and once I get them in for pre-season training proper then I’ll get a better idea.”

After crossing from rivals Birmingham City, McLeish has not ruled out a move for players from St Andrew’s.