Ashley Young closing in on free transfer that will make Everton history

Ashley Young by name if not by nature it seems.

It was quite a weekend for the former England international as he was linked with a move to Everton while also celebrating his 38th birthday. Now it appears that deal will become reality, with a medical set for Tuesday.

The ECHO understands Everton had been looking at Young as one of several transfer possibilities. Talks have progressed and he is closing in on Blues switch, having turned down offers from elsewhere including other Premier League sides.

It is believed Young will join Everton on a one-year contract, with the option for a further year. The free agent signing could be wrapped up within 48 hours.

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If all goes to plan and Young does arrive at Goodison Park he would make history as the club’s oldest-ever outfield debutant. Indeed, by the time this summer’s transfer window closes, Richard Gough (39 years, 23 days) would be the only older outfield player to have turned out for the Blues in the Premier League full stop than Young.

However, despite his relatively advanced years – Young, who is comfortable in both full-back positions having also played on the wings earlier in his career – still turned out 32 times for Aston Villa in 2022/23.

Also last season, centre-back pair James Tarkowski and Conor Coady, both 30, were affectionately known as ‘The Dads’ within the dressing room because of the position as senior players and more mature outlook but – unlike Sean Connery who had Harrison Ford play his son in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade despite the leading man