Ashley Young to join up with Everton squad for Friday pre-season friendly as Alan Myers shares medical new
Free agent Ashley Young is set to join the Everton squad on Friday (14 July) ahead of their pre-season friendly against Swiss side Stade Nyonnaise, according to Alan Myers.
Tweeting on Monday (10 July), the Sky Sports journalist also said the 38-year-old free agent, who recently left Aston Villa following the expiration of his contract, is in advanced talks with Everton amid interest from Premier League and Championship sides.
A deal is expected to be complete in the next few days, with Young reportedly offered a one-year deal with the option for another.
Nearly set in stone
This deal looks likely to be completed. Everton seems appropriate for Young who continues his cultured and successful career in the Premier League.
Young was also reportedly courted by his former Watford rivals Luton Town [Daily Mail] as they bid to bolster their squad ahead of their historic promotion, but will likely see out his top-flight career in Merseyside.
While he is certainly no longer one for the future, Young will provide an experienced head in the Everton dressing room and versatility in right-back or the winger position.
- However, Everton will be wanting to develop their squad. They have younger players in these two positions, namely Vitalii Mykolenko and Alex Iwobi, but Sean Dyche’s side also lack the necessary depth in these positions.
Dyche has also been keen to improve the defence, with Sassuolo’s 25-year-old full-back Rogerio reportedly being a top target for the manager [Tutto Mercato Web].
Should Everton sign him, or another full-back of their same age profile, Young will likely have a rotation role.
Toffees fans will hope that the recruitment for these positions doesn’t end with Young, but his inclusion could prove a sensible piece of business, while not strongly threatening the current players’ place in the pecking order too much.
In other Everton news, Mason Holgate’s absence from pre-season training has been explained ahead of the club’s pre-season clash with Swiss side.
