Liverpool target unlikely to leave Villa

Reputed Liverpool target Ashley Young is unlikely to leave Aston Villa, according to reports emerging in the West Midlands.

New Anfield boss Roy Hodgson made a pledge to try and buy English players this summer with 25-year-old Young strongly linked with a move to Merseyside.

However any potential interest in the England international may subside with suggestions that Martin O'Neill would not be willing to let two of his prize assets leave Villa Park.

Manchester City are expected to return with an improved offer for James Milner after their initial £20m bid was rejected in May.

If Villa and owner Randy Learner receive a fee deemed too good to refuse, Milner's exit is likely to signal Young will remain with O'Neill's men with boardroom sources saying a sale of a second top star would not be tolerated by the club faithful.

Meanwhile, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has backed Fernando Torres to rediscover his international scoring touch when Spain meet Germany tomorrow evening.

The Liverpool striker has looked off the pace during the World Cup in South Africa so far but Anfield team-mate Reina is confident Torres can repeat his Euro 2008 final-winning exploits.

"Torres is a fully mature guy now and has experienced both tough and sweet moments in his career and knows that's the way football goes" said Reina.

"He knows he enjoys the confidence of the coach, the players and he has strong self confidence. He won us the final against Germany last time and we all hope he repeats that this time."

Daniel Ayala is poised to seal a season-long loan to Spanish second division outfit Real Valladolid.

The 19-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Sevilla in 2007, will make the switch with a view to a permanent deal after making just two starts for the first team last season.

Ayala said: "Right now I am waiting to see what my future is because I don't know what will happen now Benitez has left.

"I am happy at Liverpool but I would be very excited to play in Spain."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.