Everton transfer blow as Mourinho pulls plug on midfielder January switch – report
By Alex Stevens
Jose Mourinho will not allow Ashley Young to quit Manchester United in the January transfer window, according to a report.
The Manchester Evening News claim that the United boss has informed the former England midfielder that he wants to keep him beyond the winter window.
This is a blow to Everton, who are interested in signing Young, 31, along with Premier League rivals West Brom, Watford and Swansea.
But it appears that Mourinho has pulled the plug on the possibility of the wide man leaving even though he has been a fringe player at the club this season.
Young, who has 18 months left on his contract, has featured in just eight matches for United in all competitions this season.
The versatile former Aston Villa and Watford player is a natural left-winger, but he can also cover the left-back and right midfield positions, and has even slotted in at right-back for the Premier League giants.
Everton are also pursuing two other United players, midfield anchorman Morgan Schneiderlin and winger Memphis Depay.
It has been widely reported in recent times that Everton want to sign Schneiderlin on a permanent deal and Depay on loan for the rest of the season.
Football Insider verdict:
It makes sense that Mourinho does not want the versatile Young to leave in January. Unlike his fringe teammates Schneiderlin and Depay, the former England international can play a number of different roles and is a valuable man to have in the squad when injuries and suspensions bite. Young also has plenty of big-match experience, with Premier League and FA Cup medals in his cabinet, and is proven in the top flight. His best days are behind him but he is still a major asset for United.
In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees have intensified their interest in this forward.