Ashley Young 'likely' to join Manchester United admit Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted he is resigned to losing Ashley Young over the summer as Manchester United close in on a £16million deal

But the new Villa boss has revealed he is determined to keep Stewart Downing at the club as Liverpool prepare a £15m bid for the former Middlesbrough winger.

Of Young's proposed move to Old Trafford, the Scot told talkSPORT: "It's not confirmed yet but it does seem likely.

"In my humble opinion it will be very difficult [to keep hold of him]."

But of the interest in Downing, McLeish added: "No chance do we want Stewart Downing to go. We certainly don't want to lose Stewart.

"He's a top player.

"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."

Downing has two years left on his existing deal at Villa Park but has hinted at a summer exit after stating he wanted to play at a bigger club.