Ashley Young joins Everton on a one-year deal after his second Aston Villa spell

Ashley Young has joined Everton on a one-year deal following his departure from Aston Villa. 

The 38-year-old, who is primarily a right-back but can also operate down the left-hand side, will wear No 18 as he did at Villa and told the Toffees' official media channels: "I'm delighted to be an Everton player and to have joined this massive club.

"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 [Sean Dyche] 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."

Dyche, who took over in January to help keep the Merseysiders in the Premier League, said: "Ashley is a top-class professional whose record of team and personal achievements during a successful career make him an excellent addition to our squad.

"I've known Ashley for many years, having been his captain when he first broke through at Watford, and his qualities both on and off the pitch will prove valuable.

"His impressive statistics from last season, which were among some of the best in Europe, highlight what he can bring to Everton."

Those "impressive statistics" include a 75.5% tackle success rate, putting Young in the top 3% of right-back across Europe's top-five leagues, while his figures for shots blocked and clearances should also prove invaluable for Everton, who have narrowly avoided the drop in the past two seasons. 

Young is the first player through the door at Goodison Park this summer, with Asmir Begovic, Tom Davies, Yerry Mina, Andros Townsend, Moise Kean and Ellis Simms all having departed. 

Young's senior career began in 2003 when he made his debut for Watford and he proved pivotal for the Hornets during their 2005/06 promotion-winning campaign to the Premier League. 

After enjoying four-and-a-half years at Villa during his first spell there - including reaching the Carabao Cup final in 2010 - Young moved to Manchester United, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Europa League and Community Shield all once. 

A spell abroad with Inter saw the experienced campaigner win Serie A under Antonio Conte before he returned to England to rejoin Villa in 2021, featuring under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery. 

Everton kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on Saturday 12 August.