ExtraFootie.co.uk understands that Chelsea are set to launch a £25million bid for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young after the Midlands club closed in on the signing of Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough.

Our sources have indicated that new Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is a big admirer of the 24-year-old and has identified him as being the 'creative' spark required to propel his side to domestic and European glory next season.

Having been frustrated in his attempts to bring AC Milan wonderkid Alexandre Pato and Valencia's David Villa to Stamford Bridge this summer, it is believed that 'Carlitto' has now turned his attentions to Young as he looks to deliver the 'marquee' signing promised by the club's chairman Bruce Buck last week.

Young, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United and Tottenham in recent weeks, has impressed the former Rossoneri coach with a number of eye-catching diplays since joining Villa in a £9.75million deal from Watford in January 2007.

Although the fee Villa paid to the Hornets raised eyebrows amongst many football pundits, Young has more than justified his inflated price tag and repaid the faith shown in him by Martin O'Neill.

His impressive exploits last season earned him the Young Player of the Year award as well as a place in the PFA Team of the Year for a second successive time.

Having already seen Gareth Barry leave Villa Park this summer, O'Neill would be loath to lose a player he descibed as a "genuis" following his side's 3-2 victory over Everton last season.

However, the Ulsterman knows his club may find it hard to resist a mega money offer from the West London outfit, with the Blues able to offer Young UEFA Champions League football and a more lucrative wage.