Everton set to confirm Ashley Young signing for first arrival of the summer after documents signed – Fabrizio Romano
The first Everton arrival of the Sean Dyche era is set to be confirmed Wednesday (12 July) after Ashley Young signed the relevant paperwork, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The 38-year-old joins on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa, where he made 57 appearances in his second spell with the club, and will provide much-needed cover at the full-back positions after Sean Dyche was left to contend with a major injury crisis at the position last season.
With the budget tight and cash being saved to go towards a much-needed striker signing, the bargain pick up is seen to fit into a necessary plan this summer.
Reporting via Twitter on Wednesday afternoon Romano said: “Everton are set to confirm Ashley Young as new signing on short term deal after documents signed on Tuesday.”
First step
It’s not a headline arrival but it is something, and after a January transfer window where the Toffees were unable to confirm anybody it is at least a starting point.
That is comes off the back of major disappointment in the pursuit of Rodrigo from Leeds United will temper too much excitement.
But with fitness or ability doubts from the manager over all of his full-back options the veteran of 422 Premier League appearances should be a reassuring presence.
There will need to be far more important arrivals in the forward positions during this window, and likely there will be further departures as well.
But with Young rejecting interest from elsewhere, including within the Premier League, it is a boost to Dyche to get the former Inter and Manchester United man in.
Young posted a message of thanks to Villa fans on social media earlier on Wednesday, ahead of his imminent unveiling as a Toffees player.
In other Everton news, a first-team ace is now “in talks” over an exit that could provide a significant cash boost.