AIDY DETERMINED TO KEEP YOUNG By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd today stated his determination to hang on to "trump card" Ashley Young after revealing he had turned down a £7million cash bid - believed to be from West Ham - for his star forward. The England Under-21 international has attracted seven enquiries and five bids - understood to be from the Hammers, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Everton and Sheffield United - since the transfer window opened at the start of this month. But Boothroyd appears determined to hold his nerve over Young - and hinted selling the 21-year-old would drastically reduce the Hornets' chances of staying in the top flight. "We turned down the bid with a straight 'No'," Boothroyd said. "There are players out there who have gone for £8million-plus who do not have what he has. "I know we are at a crossroads. Do we have a go at the Premiership, and try to learn from the lessons we have been taught or do we say 'Thanks very much, we are going back down'? "Ashley is the trump card in the Premiership. There are not many players outside the top four clubs who are better than him. "Everyone wants him and I can understand that. But we will not let him go until he says he would like to go and talk to another club. "He is an asset on and off the pitch, and the club want him to stay. But the situation always remains that no player is bigger than the club." Boothroyd - who has already signed forward Moses Ashikodi from Rangers as well as midfielder Lee Williamson and forward Will Hoskins from Rotherham - met Fulham forward Collins John on Wednesday after having a £3.25million bid for the forward accepted last week. Dutchman John is believed to be uncertain about joining a club who find themselves 10 points adrift of safety in the top flight, and whose chances of spending a second season in the Premiership already seem remote. The Hornets face Liverpool on Saturday, with Williamson and Hoskins in contention to make their debuts after missing last weekend's FA Cup win over Stockport because they were cup-tied. The 35-year-old continued: "I met Collins and I enjoyed his company. "I think he is a very intelligent young man, and I am sure he will make the right decision for him. "I try to put myself in other people's position. We are bottom of the league, and Collins probably has big dreams about wanting to play for his country, so I can understand why people might have doubts. "It is my job to meet these people and tell them what I can do for them so they can achieve those dreams." Boothroyd hopes to have defender Dan Shittu back for the visit of Rafael Benitez's men, and he revealed captain Gavin Mahon had shaken off a knock and would return against the Reds. The Vicarage Road chief is now awaiting a response from John, and he added: "The response from Collins was good. "He was receptive, and I had a lot of respect for what he said. He has an old head on young shoulders, and I will have to wait and see. "I do not want to put time limits on it, although, if it gets to the end of January, I will think he has lost my number. "I want him in as quickly as possible, but I accept that it is a big decision."
I love this bit...... says a fair bit about Aidy and his resillience.... least he's not conceded we're down yet!
Barmy. Absolutely barmy. A club offers £7m straight cash and we reject it. I just hope Aidy has wind of a bigger bid being prepared somewhere down the line.
not barmy at all. ashton was 8, young should be 12 MINIMUM, and thats only if aidy knows a replacement
we can sell him if we go down. As long as there are more than 2 clubs competeing for his signiture the price should go back to what it is now.
Its not like hes set the Premiership alight is it? Yes hes a great prospect and he had a great season last season but 12 million? Im not so sure.
remember some of these bids may be paid over long periods of time, perhaps the board just want a significant fee upfront?
no, talent he has only had one full season, and you dont judge a 20 year old on consistancy. i think you'll find thhe team performance varied, therefore his performances did- he is part of the team
Good point Sir chez.... not as if they need it though!! £12million QUALITY Thats the first time that figure has been muted.... Look out for clubcall, teamtalk, footierumours getting hold if this.... should be doing the rounds by tomorrow morning at the latest
I'm in favour of selling at the right price too but this suggests that Aidy is aware that he can get more. His observation that lesser players go for more is absolutely right, he knows bigger bids will come in. I think he'll go before the end of Jan (even tho i took 8/1 on the bet).
if cj signs for 3.25mil ash will be gone the next day for 7mil+. The only way Ash will not leave is if Ash himself doesn't want to go and feels staying at wfc will not disrupt his england u21 position or future full cap for england.
