Exclusive: Spurs to make move for Ashley Young today

Tottenham are today stepping up their interest in Aston Villa star Ashley Young.

Spurs have been chasing England ace Young, 25, since Mirrorfootball revealed their interest last month .

And Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is now finally making his move after qualifying for the Champions League.

Spurs' play-off victory over Young Boys in midweek coincided with managerless Villa failing to make the Europa League group stages.

And Young is now willing to review his future after Villa's morale-sapping loss to Rapid Vienna at home last night.

Spurs officials, boosted by their windfall for making the lucrative Champions League, are now determined to get Young.

Redknapp wants the £25million-rated Villa ace as his marquee signing of the summer.

The Villa hierarchy are now braced for an official approach from their White Hart Lane counterparts in the next 24 hours.

And a return to the capital to play against Europe's elite would appeal to Young, who was omitted from England's World Cup squad.

Redknapp is determined to get the former Watford trainee after missing out on him last summer.

Versatile Young can play on either the wing or upfront as a striker in the hole.

He earns £65,000-a-week at Villa Park after receiving a pay-rise last summer when Spurs first came calling.

But Villa face an even bigger battle to keep the ace this summer with Spurs willing to give Young a rise to around £70,000-a-week.

They are dangling a five-year contract and could tempt Villa into selling by offering players like Robbie Keane in part-exchange.

Villa accepted Stephen Ireland in part-exchange for James Milner last week.