Ex-Aston Villa and Man Utd star ‘set to join’ Everton as ‘deal accepted’ and ‘medical booked’

Ashley Young is poised to join Everton on a free transfer following his departure from Aston Villa, according to reports.

The 38-year-old made 250 appearances for Villa in two spells with the club, having also appeared for Watford, Manchester United and Inter Milan during a long career.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports Young has agreed a short-term move with the Toffees with the player poised to undergo a medical at the Goodison Park club.

Young first joined Villa from Watford for an estimated £8million before moving to Man United four years later for a fee reported to be around £17million.

The defender joined Inter Milan in 2020 before returning to Birmingham 18 months later. He scored 38 goals for Aston Villa in his two spells as well as providing 60 assists.

He played 261 games for Man United but scored only half of the goals while claiming 43 assists, with his time at Villa proving his most prolific.

Confirming his departure, an Aston Villa statement at the end of May read: “Aston Villa can confirm that Ashley Young will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract. The 37-year-old departs Villa Park having made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring once, a stunning strike that earned Villa a point at Nottingham Forest.

“Young re-joined the club in 2021 on an initial one-year deal which was extended to the end of the 2022/23 campaign last summer. A firm fans’ favourite who was a versatile, experienced and popular member of the dressing room, made 250 appearances in claret and blue over two spells with the club.

“Everyone at Aston Villa would like to sincerely thank Ashley for his service to the club and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Young had previously expressed a desire to stay at the club, stating a few days before his departure when asked about his future: “You’ll have to ask the manager. You’ll have to ask the owners. But I want to stay.”

The latest development in Young’s future could see him make a swift return to Villa Park as Unai Emery’s side host Everton on August 20.

BBC Sport reports the player also held talks with newly-promoted Luton Town but that his move to the Toffees is close with a medical booked for Tuesday.