EXCLUSIVE
Ashley Young provides update on Everton future amid upcoming contract expiry
Ashley Young says he wants to play for Everton for another season ahead of his current deal's expiration.
The former Manchester United player signed for the Toffees last summer on a one-year deal after leaving Aston Villa as a free agent.
3
Young made 34 appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign, with 31 of those coming in the Premier League as they sealed survival.
And although the 38-year-old's contract is near its end, he told talkSPORT he is more than happy to spend another year at Goodison Park.
"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 on Drive. "It's just now down to sorting out the final details to sort out for the next season."
"Yeah I do," he replied when asked if he wants to stay at Everton for another season. "I'd love to play as long as possible, whether that's going to be a one-year deal or two-year deal.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
"Whatever everyone offered me, I'm always happy to sign a new contract. I enjoyed my time this season, being there with the players and staff, it's fantastic, a massive club and I'd love to go back and play another season there."
Young has been part of an Everton side that were deducted a total of eight points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
The deductions sparked fears over whether or not they would avoid relegation but the Toffees went on to finish 15th and 14 points clear of the drop.
"It has been tough," Young reflected. "I think that on the inside we've said as a team, as a squad, we can't let the points deductions deter what we're trying to do this season.
Most read in Football
3
"It was tough at times, I think we went through the Christmas period, just after the points deduction, and I think when we got points back it was another tough period.
"But I think we showed everyone on the outside that the togetherness that we've got there as a team is something that you just can't buy, you just can't have that. As a team, everyone sticks together.
Sean Dyche reveals that his mum prefers him in a suit as he discusses his recent outfit change which seems to have inspired Everton to successfully avoid relegation
"We knew we got the points deduction, what we can do is go out there and win games. We were a long way clear of the relegation [zone] but we still, at times, we were looking over our shoulder and working out as players, 'Is there going to be more?'"
Young also waxed lyrical about Everton boss Sean Dyche and his impact on the whole squad during a season filled with uncertainty.
"The manager, he's honest, and I think as players that's what you want," Young said. "You want someone that's going to be honest and tells you how it is, is straight in.
"He wants you to work and as a player that's what you've got to do, you have to work whether it be in training, whether it be in the games.
3
"As long as you're working, he'll back you non-stop and everybody knows that as a team... there's so many teams that play pretty football, we know that at times we have to stay in our shape and defend as a team.
"But we can hurt players, we can hurt teams, we can hurt different squads that we face, it's one of them. The manager, he's been great with me, he's been great with all the players and I think that's why we've done so well this season."
Young will be part of talkSPORT's coverage of Euro 2024 this summer, with outgoing West Ham boss David Moyes and French World Cup and European Championship winner Emmanuel Petit also starring.