Aston Villa decision on Ashley Young causes surprise as BBC Sport detail Everton medical

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Alan Hutton admits he’s still a bit surprised by Aston Villa’s decision to let Ashley Young leave at the end of last season as he closes in on a move to Everton.

BBC Sport have reported that Young, 38, is undergoing a medical at Goodison Park on Tuesday (11 July) ahead of a free transfer after being released by Villa.

Young made 32 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa last season as they qualified for the Conference League with a seventh-placed Premier League finish. The ex-Manchester United star played mostly as a right-back or left-back and even scored one goal, which came against Nottingham Forest in October.

Hutton believes Everton are making a good move by signing Young on a free transfer as he’ll add invaluable experience to Sean Dyche’s squad.

The former Villa right-back also admits his old club may have made a mistake by letting the veteran go.

Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said: “I hope Everton won’t be a rival next season because of where Villa and Everton finished last season.

“I was a little bit surprised Young was released. I think he showed enough last season that he’s more than capable, at the age he is, to continue next season.

“He’s 38 now and that’s my age and he’s still playing at that level.

I did think they would keep him for another year but that’s a great piece of business by Everton.

“What happened to Seamus Coleman last season was part of it but there are youngsters there that can learn from him.

“He’s got a wealth of experience that he’s bringing through the door on a free transfer so if they can get that done, it’s a really good bit of business for them.”

Everton’s full-back options were completely depleted at the end of last season, leading to James Garner and Dwight McNeil being forced to play in wing-back roles.

Young’s ability to play on both sides of the defence will no doubt make him a great addition to Dyche’s squad but with Villa possessing Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno at left-back and Matty Cash at right-back with Calum Chambers and Ezri Konsa also able to play there, there’s a chance he would have struggled massively for game-time at B6 next season.

In other Aston Villa news, the Villans have been tipped to sign this international captain with a “strange” clause in his contract.