Forever Young… Ashley closing in on Villa return
Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of 35-year-old Inter Milan defender Ashley Young on a free transfer.
The deal is said to be a one-year deal worth around £2.57million with an option of a further year.
Ashley Young to #avfc is moving quickly and could be completed in the next 24 hours. Young will sign on a free transfer and returns to Villa a decade after leaving to join Man United (H/t @TomCollomosse)
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) June 17, 2021
According to reports, Watford and Burnley were both very heavily interested in the former England international while his current club Inter Milan have also said to have put a deal on the table.
Young was apparently close to joining Burnley but changed his mind at the last minute when Villa came calling. Of course, at the time of writing, nothing is official but all the appropriate reporters are suggesting this is a done deal, pending a successful medical.
Young experience could prove vital
Aston Villa allowed the experienced due of Neil Taylor and Ahmed Elmohammady to depart this summer after their contracts had expired. Many have spoken about their experience in the Villa dressing room and it appears Dean Smith likes the idea of bringing in Young, who offers the experience as well as being versatile. He can play on both flanks in either defence or midfield.
Young was part of Inter’s title-winning side last season making 34 appearances in all competitions. Jack Grealish has mentioned in more than one interview while being with the England squad this summer that set pieces are a weakness for Villa, something Young could help with.
Ashley made over 200 appearances for Villa during a four and half-season spell in B6 before moving onto Manchester United where he went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.
Young was a big favourite amongst the Villa faithful and we all remember that classic win against Everton back in 2008. The winger (at the time) scored a last-minute goal to secure all three points for Villa at Goodison Park and he ran around the whole pitch, with his hand cupped to his ear until he reached the travelling supporters.