Young tipped to star at Championships

Jun 11 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

VILLA transfer target Nigel Reo-Coker has pinpointed Ashley Young as a big threat for England as they kick off their European Under-21 Championship programme against the Czech Republic.

Young and Villa defender Gary Cahill are in Holland for tonight's clash in Arnhem and skipper Reo-Coker is looking for Young to continue his fine form in the absence of Blackburn's David Bentley.

Reo-Coker saw Young tear into Slovakia in a 5-0 warm-up win.

He said: "Ashley's debut in Switzerland was long over-due, but he's been given a chance now and has taken it. He has done very well for the Under-21s and his move to Aston Villa is a massive loss for Watford.

"He is so talented and is a player I remember playing against in the Championship. Ashley is a very gifted team player and can create and score goals."

Reo-Coker also believes Cahill is a quality addition to the squad.

He added: "Gary joined up with the squad for the Spain game.

"Although I didn't get the chance to really get to know him, I have played against him before and know he's a very good defender, tall and powerful."

Reo-Coker should still become a Villa player at the end of the tournament, but another Villa target, Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder, is proving a much more difficult deal to try to conclude.

Dutch international Sneijder is also wanted by Tottenham while Valencia had at least two bids of around £9million rejected for the 23-year-old.

Ajax chairman John Jaakke is determined to make it difficult for the player to leave Holland and said: "As things look now, Sneijder stays with Ajax. The contact that we have had with him points towards him staying in Amsterdam."