DONE DEAL: everton announce their first signing of 38-year-old defender from

 

Everton have signed 38-year-old Ashley Young to a one-year deal at Goodison Park; the England international underwent a medical on Tuesday; Young will join up with Sean Dyche’s squad for a pre-season camp in Switzerland

Everton have signed Ashley Young on a free transfer after he left Aston Villa.

The 38-year-old England international has signed a one-year deal at Goodison Park, becoming Everton’s first signing of the summer.

Young, who became a free agent upon the expiry of his Villa contract at the end of last season, turned down other offers from the Premier League, Championship and Europe in favour of Everton

The former Manchester United full-back says Everton boss Sean Dyche was a key factor in his decision to join the club, having worked with him previously at Watford.

“I’m delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club,” he told evertontv. “I can’t wait for the season to start and walking out at Goodison Park is going to be an unbelievable feeling and to hear the passionate fans behind me.

“The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.

“I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the club around, was a key factor in my decision.

“The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I’m delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now.”

Young is expected to join Dyche’s side for a pre-season camp in Switzerland this week, ahead of a friendly fixture against Stade Nyonnais on Friday.

Light finally at the end of the tunnel for Everton?

Everton’s tale of woe appears to be a never-ending saga.

Board upheaval, financial strife, a former manager’s legal challenge and so it goes on.

However maybe, just maybe, there is some light at the end of a long tunnel in the latest club announcement of the implementation of an interim board of directors, together with news out of New York of a company filing by future investors MSP Sports Capital which confirmed investment totalling £130m.