Ashley Young has been urged to join Wrexham when he leaves Everton this summer, with the veteran full-back's contract at Goodison Park due to expire at the end of the month
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Dwight McNeil (CR) of Everton celebrates his goal with Dominic Calvert-Lewin Orel Mangala James Tarkowski Ashley Young and Iliman Ndiaye
Ashley Young has been tipped for a move to Wrexham when his contract with Everton expires
(Image: Emma Simpson/Everton FC)
Ashley Young has been encouraged to sign for Wrexham on a free transfer as his time at Everton nears its end. Young's contract with the Blues is due to expire at the end of June, but the 39-year-old insists he has no intention of retiring.
The veteran full-back has had a distinguished career with Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Everton, as well as earning 39 England caps. Young has made 485 Premier League appearances overall since his debut in 2006 and won the top-flight title with United in 2013.
However, it has been suggested that Young should now consider stepping down to the Championship to join newly promoted Wrexham. Former Everton winger Pat Nevin made the suggestion despite acknowledging that his next move "won't be Real Madrid."
Nevin highlighted Young's remarkable fitness levels, which he said would make him a suitable match for Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
In an interview with Spin Genie, the ex-Scotland international said: "Ashley Young is so weird. There is no way he should be so fit at the age of 39. If you're a sitting midfielder or number 10 who is waltzing about, it may be understandable, but he's a full-back bombing up and down the wing, which is staggering.
"He does, however, happen to be human, so it's inevitable he will drop off at some point. If he takes a step down, it needs to be for a project, and Wrexham is one hell of a project. From my point of view, I would encourage it. I think it would be a really good thing for him to do.
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Ashley Young
Ashley Young is considering his next move as he prepares to leave Everton
(Image: Getty)
"I dropped down a division later on in my career, and it was possibly the happiest I ever was whilst playing. My advice would be that his next move won't be to Real Madrid, so he needs to do something he enjoys and ignore anyone who says, 'Oh, it's a step down.'
"He would offer so much experience and leadership to that team. Who else has achieved what he has at Wrexham? It would all rub off on his teammates and be a win-win for both parties. Even if he got injured, he will add something massive off the field."
Nevin added: "I love what Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have done at Wrexham. I've got time for anyone who can pick a club up and invest money to bring them back up the leagues. It might be annoying for the teams playing against them but that's what happens at every level of football."
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
Wrexham have enjoyed huge success since being bought by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Wrexham have been linked with a string of Premier League stars after securing promotion from League One in April. Leicester hero Jamie Vardy and Fulham captain Tom Cairney are two of the biggest names connected with a move to the Racecourse Ground, along with West Ham duo Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell.
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Deadpool star Reynolds has hinted that manager Phil Parkinson will receive strong financial backing during the summer transfer window, while stressing the importance of economic caution.
During his appearance on the RobRyanRed podcast, Reynolds said: "We're coming to win. I can't give you a dollar figure, but I can tell you that we are going to be as aggressive as we can possibly be while being mindful of sustainability. We have a stadium to revamp, but will still maintain its character and culture."
McElhenney also pointed out that despite covering the costs, he and Reynolds often learn about new signings rather late. "I start hearing the names out there on social media or whatever, but we don't really know any of that until Phil tells us," he said. "By that point, it's already essentially happened."