Martin O'Neill has as good as said that Ashley Young is going nowhere and will be an Aston Villa player for the foreseeable future.
What he has actually said, in full, will be below but the phrase he used if any club were to enquire about him was 'short shrift'. For those not familiar with the phrase, it basically means 'little attention'.
Now, you all know I like our Ashley. He comes across as a decent bloke, is a very very decent footballer and is exactly the type of player we need in the team for us to kick on. I don't want to many of his type, we need grafters too, but one or two more and we would be close.
Anyway, enough of my opinion about our Ashley and on to what the manager has to say, which is below and while I might be asking a little too much, it would be nice if the player came out and said something too, just to put the final nail in the coffin to this persistent speculation, because for all we know, the last time O'Neill spoke to Ashley and his agent could have been weeks ago and we all know a lot can happen in just a few days.
Martin O'Neill
There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories. The last time I spoke to Ashley and his agent none of this was at the forefront. I read every single day these articles about different clubs coming in for him, with swap deals mentioned. It's just pure conjecture.
No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift. I believe he can reach for the stars here. This football club has been fantastic for him because we have given him this platform to display his skills, excite the crowd and play the sort of football that he is doing.
I suppose it's flattering that he's being linked because it shows how far he has come at this club. Saying that, I do get bored with all the stories in reality.