The Premier League confirmed in their 2021/22 retained list on June 10 that Ashley Young had been released by Aston Villa. The 36-year-old made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, grabbing two assists. It seems a strange decision to let him go, as Young was a useful squad player that could deputise for any injured fullback.

Reports came out that Young had been offered a contract, however, so Steven Gerrard clear sees the value of keeping him at Villa Park. Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live has given an update on the situation, revealing no progress has been made. Young has a one-year deal on the table but hasn’t signed it yet. Whether he will commit his future remains to be seen.

With Matt Targett being sold to Newcastle United after a successful loan spell and Frederic Guilbert unlikely to stay after being deemed surplus to requirements, Gerrard will need a right-back and left-back to provide cover for Matty Cash and Lucas Digne. Keeping Young would solve the left-back situation, but it doesn’t seem the England international is overly keen to return.

Young started only 10 Premier League games this season and was an unused substitute 12 times, so perhaps he wants more in the eve of his career than sporadic opportunities. Time will tell.

In other news, writing on wall for Lovre Kalinic when he reports for training