Ashley Young moves a step closer to Manchester United deal

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has edged closer to becoming Manchester United's second signing of the summer after undergoing a medical with the Barclays Premier League champions.

The England international was in Manchester yesterday to undergo a series of physical examinations prior to completing his transfer to Old Trafford for a reported 15 million. The 25-year-old Young has just a year left on his contract at Villa Park and made it clear to the club he had no intention of extending that deal.

New Villa manager Alex McLeish admitted earlier this week Young was destined to depart this summer. "It's not confirmed yet but it does seem likely," the Scot said. "In my humble opinion it will be very difficult (to keep hold of him]."

United have already secured the signing of Blackburn's England Under-21 defender Phil Jones for 16.5m and are likely to strengthen further with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea, the likely replacement for the retired Edwin van der Sar.

Young, like Jones, was also a target for Liverpool but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have once again beaten Kenny Dalglish to the player's signature.

Meanwhile, former Dunfermline Athletic goalkeeper Dorus de Vries has vowed to challenge Wayne Hennessey for a first-team spot at Wolves after moving from Swansea on a three-year contract.

De Vries has made the switch to Molineux after being available on a Bosman transfer at the end of his current contract with the Swans.

He played a major role in helping the Welsh club gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League at the end of last season.

But now De Vries believes he is making the step up by joining Wolves. He said: "Swansea is a great club throughout and have got a great squad and I wish them all the best. But, sometimes as a professional player, you have to get out of your comfort zone a little bit to be able to find your true potential."