Jermaine Jenas key for Tottenham in luring Aston Villa winger Ashley Young

Jermaine Jenas has emerged as a key figure in Tottenham's attempt to bring England winger Ashley Young to White Hart Lane.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keen to bring a natural left-winger to White Hart Lane to complement Aaron Lennon on the right - and Aston Villa wide man Young is the player he wants. But Villa rate Young - signed for £10million from Watford two-and-a-half years ago - at £30m.

Jenas, 25, who moved to Tottenham for £9m from Newcastle four years ago, could be the key.

Villa want to bolster their squad and Jenas could fill the gap left by Gareth Barry's move to Manchester City.

If Tottenham include Jenas in a player-plus-£12m deal, Villa may be tempted to accept.