Ashley Young shares Everton exit stance amid ‘tough’ admission
Ashley Young is eager to remain at Everton beyond this summer and has been in face-to-face talks with Sean Dyche over extending his current deal.
Young was discussing his situation at Goodison Park whilst on talkSPORT [21 May], with whom he has been confirmed as a pundit for the upcoming European Championships.
Signed last year from Aston Villa, Young will be 39 by the start of next season but is keen to extend his deal which expires this summer, despite a “tough” season for the club.
“My contract runs out at the end of June, but I’ve spoken to the manager and we had a quick conversation about staying for another season,” he said.
“It’s just now down to sorting out the final details to sort out for the next season.
“This season has been tough [with off-field matters], but I do [want to stay]. I’d love to play as long as possible, whether that’s going to be a one-year deal or two-year deal.”
Can Ashley Young still be an asset to Everton?
The fact it’s still so easy to forget Young’s age is a huge testament to the shape and fitness he has maintained over decades at the top level, a la Thiago Silva and James Milner.
Young has played professionally for over 20 years and is keen to continue in the top flight until he is at least 40.
As a winger but primarily a full-back, Young featured 31 times in the Premier League for Dyche’s men as they comfortably avoided relegation following an excellent final third of the campaign.
Everton kept 12 league clean sheets throughout the season, with the former Manchester United and Inter Milan man at the forefront of the leadership group under Dyche.
From the club’s perspective, it may come down to a tough decision between keeping Young and captain Seamus Coleman, 35, with both of their contracts expiring.
Coleman has started just seven times this season among serious injury issues, but is said to have a one-year deal on the table. If nothing else, the pair will provide the squad with ample experience.
In other Everton news, Manchester United may see a lucrative bid for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected.
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