Ashley Young at Anfield?

I was salivating over the newspaper this morning and - for once - it was not a result of Jakki, 22, from Blackpool. 'Rafa Wants Young Gun' - read the headline.

According to reports, Liverpool are set to offer £20 million for Aston Villa's Ashley Young. This is unexpected music to my ears.

Unexpected as I had given up all hope of Rafa Benitez being permitted to sign the player that will complete the title-chasing jigsaw at Anfield. Martin O'Neill's reluctance to sell seemed to have proved a sufficient deterrent for any potential suitor. And, apparently, Liverpool are broke.

I would be overjoyed at the sight of Young weaving in, out and through defenders with the Liver bird emblazoned on his jersey. Having witnessed the majority of Villa's campaign last season, it seems whenever he is not creating goals, he is scoring them. I can only recall a couple of occasions - during a spell when the entire team was struggling for form - that he was unable to make an impact.

This is the player that Liverpool need. The side has a spine of world-class players, and while this is to every Liverpool fan's immense satisfaction, it does serve to highlight the gulf in ability in wide areas.

Kuyt, despite scoring some important goals and providing audacious work-rate, does not possess the ability to strike fear into his opponents. Riera proved fruitful during the start of the campaign but fell short with his end product on too many occasions. And Ryan Babel, for whom I still hold out hope, did not impress enough to earn a regular starting berth.

Benitez appears to be addressing these problems. The £17 million arrival of Glen Johnson will blend a perfect partnership on the right-hand side. Johnson's attacking prowess will be facilitated by Kuyt's constant back-tracking. Both players have defensive and attacking attributes that will complement almost perfectly.

Should Ashley Young complete a move to Anfield, Liverpool will pose another threat. A threat that will command the opposition's attention and respect. A threat that will allow more space for Gerrard and Torres. And a threat that is truly worthy of playing alongside them.