Posted by Tom Mallows and Betfair's View

By Tom Mallows -

With Jamie Milner's future looking increasingly likely to be away from Villa Park, those who bet on Premier League transfers are now stating that Martin O'Neill now faces a battle to keep Ashley Young at the club.

Over the past year, some of the Premiership's big boys have been sniffing around the winger. With Milner leaving the club, O'Neill won't entertain the idea of Young departing. Many didn't think Young enjoyed the best of campaigns last season. It was always going to be difficult to fulfil expectations after he was awarded 2008/09 PFA Young Player of the Year. That season cemented Young's reputation as one of England's best young prospects.

O'Neill has stated he believes Young was one of his players of last season. The winger was unlucky not to go to the World Cup. England didn't have many options on the left side of midfield, in South Africa this summer. Young would have given them something different. He is a different kind of winger to Milner, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips. His crossing is one of his strong points, England seriously lacked quality delivery at the World Cup. The omission may work in Villa's favour; Young will be out to prove Fabio Capello wrong this season.

The ex Watford player has stated his desire to remain at Villa Park. It's unlikely any of his suitors would be able to match Villa's valuation of the player. With Villa expected to receive close to £25million for Milner, O'Neill will be under no pressure to sell.

Those who bet on Championship football will even tell you that Milner should be the only big name to leave Villa as O'Neill looks to bring Champions League football to the Midlands.