Martin O’Neill believes he has “earned the right” to make big-money signings as Watford striker Ashley Young prepares to become Aston Villa’s record signing today.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is chasing two German-based centre-backs and has revealed he expects Milan Baros’ £6.5m (€9.6m) transfer to Aston Villa to be completed in two or three days.

Kevin Phillips has revealed he would thrive on the competition provided by Milan Baros if Aston Villa manage to land the signature of the Liverpool striker.