Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a £25 million offer for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

The Daily Star Sunday says the United boss has identified the Aston Villa player as the man to fill his problem spot on the left.

But United face competition from Barcelona, who beat them in last season's Champions League final.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is mortified at the prospect of losing Young, 24, a £9.65m buy from Watford in 2007, who signed a new four-year contract only eight months ago.