Young not in hurry to sign Aston Villa contract

Ashley Young has told Aston Villa he will not be signing a new contract before the summer.

The 25-year-old, signed from Watford by Martin O'Neill in 2007, insists he is happy at Villa Park but does not want to be distracted.

He told The Sun: "I've told the people at Villa that I won't be signing a new contract at the moment.

"I know they want to get it done now but my current deal still has a year to run after this season and I feel there is plenty of time to talk next summer.

"I want to stress that I have no problem with Aston Villa. I love the fans and I'm very much enjoying my football.

"I want to concentrate on what's happening on the field and don't want to get distracted.

"It's a big season for me and I'm hopeful there are good times ahead under the new manager."

Villa, who replaced O'Neill with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier this season, sit eighth in the Barclays Premier League.

Young, who cost Villa just short of £10million as a 21-year-old, returned to the England team this month for the 0-0 draw with Montenegro.