Everton set to make Ashley Young the first signing of Sean Dyche era

Young and Dyche were teammates at Watford

Richard Jolly
Senior Football Correspondent
Tuesday 11 July 2023 07:29 EDT
Comments
Ashley Young left Aston Villa this summer at the end of his contract (Nick Potts/PA)
Ashley Young left Aston Villa this summer at the end of his contract (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ashley Young is set to become Sean Dyche’s first signing for Everton as the veteran will undergo a medical at Goodison Park.

The 38-year-old, who was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season, is available on a free transfer and has also attracted attention from newly promoted Luton.

Young is a former Watford teammate of Everton manager Dyche, who tried to sign him for Burnley two years ago.

The former England international, who played in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, will give Everton options in positions where Dyche lacks alternatives in a slender squad.

He can play left-back, where Vitalii Mykolenko is the only specialist in the squad after the summer departure of Ruben Vinagre, and right-back, where Everton finished last season with midfielder James Garner deputising, as well as on both wings, where Andros Townsend’s summer departure has given Dyche fewer choices.

Since the end of last season, Everton have lost loanees Conor Coady and Vinagre, released Townsend and Yerry Mina, seen Asmir Begovic and Tom Davies choose to depart on free transfers and sold Ellis Simms and full-back Ishe Samuels-Smith.

Former Manchester United captain Young made 32 appearances for Villa last season and is set to embark on his 21st season of first-team football.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in