Three teams chasing £18m rated Young

Liverpool face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign Ashley Young.

The England international winger was heavily linked with a move away from the Midlands in January, with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish thought to be leading the chase for the player.

However, the Reds failed in their efforts to sign the player, who is yet to sign a new contract with Aston Villa despite only having 18 months left on his current deal.

The player appears unlikely to pen a new contract at Villa Park, and the News of the World reports that Manchester City and Manchester United have now joined the chase for the player.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier insisted that the Villains do not wish to sell their prized asset, but their hand may be forced in the summer as the player's value will begin to decrease.

Liverpool owners NESV have shown they are willing to back the manager in the transfer market, and the Anfield supremo is thought to have highlighted Young as a potential long-term star for the Merseysiders.

A transfer fee in the region of €18 million will be needed to bring the player to Liverpool, although the price is not an issue for either City or United should they wish to challenge for the signature.