Watford are exploring a deal to re-sign ex-England and Manchester United star Ashley Young, talkSPORT understands.
Young, who turned 40 last week, is keen to end his career at the club where it started.
Two months after announcing his Everton exit, Young could be set to join a new club
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Two months after announcing his Everton exit, Young could be set to join a new clubCredit: Getty
Hornets head coach Paulo Pezzolano will make the final call but there are no concerns about Young's age or fitness.
Young would be joining a Watford side that finished an unremarkable 14th place in the Championship last season.
The winger-turned-full-back has spent the last two years at Everton, but it was announced in May that he would depart the Merseyside club this summer upon the expiration of his contract.
Young was a regular for the Toffees, making 70 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club.
Last December, he became the fourth-oldest goalscorer in Premier League history as he netted a free-kick against Wolves.
The English veteran has played 757 professional games, 110 of those during his first stint at Watford.
His 22-year-long career has seen him win silverware in England and Italy, including a Premier League title with United in 2012/13 and the Serie A with Inter Milan in 2020/21.
Despite his long-spanning success, Young seems to be in no rush to kick back and hang up his boots.
Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast in May, he said: “It's been one of those things where I've played so much this season.
“I feel so fit. I've not felt as fit as I have done for years. I just want to continue playing, however that may look, however that may seem, I'm not ready to retire.
Young won the Premier League in his second season at Manchester United
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Young won the Premier League in his second season at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
Young made 39 senior caps for England between 2007 and 2018
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Young made 39 senior caps for England between 2007 and 2018
“I'm definitely going to carry on next season. Whichever way that is. I'm not getting any younger. I'm going to be 40 in July.
“I feel as fit as when I was in my 20s. I'm definitely going to continue. The stats are there - I've played 31 times this season and I feel I can keep going.”
Young began his career at Watford's academy before making his senior debut in 2003.
He became a first team regular in the 2004/05 season, and helped the Hertfordshire-based club earn promotion to the top-flight a year later.
Young's performances drew approaches from multiple clubs - most of which were rebuffed by Watford - until he eventually joined Aston Villa in January 2007 for a then-club record fee of £8 million (£9.65m with add-ons).
His six-year stint at United began in 2011, and saw him transition from a forward to a defender under Louis van Gaal in 2015.
9. Watford: Ashley Young
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Young was initially turned away from Watford's academy after an unsuccessful spell, but improved and forced his way back to the club before making his debut as an 18-year-oldCredit: getty
Young joined Inter in 2019, before going back to Villa in 2021 and then on to Everton in 2023.
But over 18 years from his Watford exit, the former England international still has tread in his tyres, and is set to bring his career full circle.