Ashley Young is set to return to Aston Villa on a free transfer from Inter Milan and disappoint Burnley.
Burnley were leading the race to land Young ahead of Inter and Watford after holding productive talks with the former England and Manchester United winger a few days ago.
But Villa have now nipped ahead of Burnley and Young is ready to move to Villa Park.
Young, 35, is impressed by Villa’s ambition under Dean Smith and they hope to challenge for Europe next season.
Young spent four years at Villa after joining from Watford for £9.65million in 2007 during their successful period under Martin O’Neill.
He made 193 appearances and scored 39 goals before moving to United for £17million in June 2011.
Young’s change of heart will disappoint Burnley and they had been in the box seat to land him.
He was happy with their offer of a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
The free agent rejected an offer of new terms stay with Serie A champions Inter and also turned down his first club Watford.
Clarets boss Sean Dyche captained Young nearly two decades ago when he began his career with the Hornets and this connection was part of the attraction of moving to Turf Moor.
He felt his experience and leadership would have greatly added to his squad.
But Burnley’s competitive offer has been trumped by Villa and the Clarets must continue their search for a wide player.
Young made 34 appearances last season for Inter as they won the scudetto under Antonio Conte to prove he can still perform at the highest level.
Young left United, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League, to join Inter in January 2020.
Inter had wanted him to stay, but he is keen to return home to his family in England.
