Everton are set to confirm the signing of Ashley Young.
The defender’s free transfer has been the hot topic on talkSPORT, with Simon Jordan claiming Young’s arrival could be beneficial to the dressing room rather than on the pitch.
The 38-year-old was expected to spend most of last season as a back-up, but made 23 starts in the Premier League for Aston Villa and impressed supporters despite his age.
However, the Midlands outfit released Young at the end of the season and he is now set to join Everton ahead of another campaign in the top flight.
There has been plenty of criticism about the signing, however Jordan believes Sean Dyche sees the veteran as a huge influence off the pitch.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan said: “The factor that needs to be priced in is the valuation of what this player will add to his dressing room.
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“Sean makes a big point of having players that he can rely on and trust and deliver outcomes – whether that is influential outcomes on the pitch or influential off the pitch by breeding a culture.
“You’ve got somebody who is cut from the same sort of cloth as James Milner who keeps himself in a very fit and focused way of living his life and they are good examples.”
Everton fans should get behind Ashley Young next season
Ashley Young has enjoyed an incredible career and has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and more since making his senior debut 20 years ago.
The full-back even became a fan favourite during his time at Villa Park, with many supporters eager for him to extend his stay beyond this summer.
The only reason he is now getting criticism is due to his age, which he proved wasn’t really an issue at Villa.
While Young certainly isn’t the most exciting signing for the club, the defender will have been brought in for his experience and leadership.
He could be very useful in influencing a team full of players that have struggled over the last couple of years.
Assuming he isn’t on the hefty wages he was earning under Unai Emery, Young seems to be a smart arrival but will deserve some complaints if the Toffees fail to bring in the other quality players required.