Carlo Ancelotti confirms Everton contract talks with Lucas Digne
Carlo Ancelotti claims that Everton will offer Lucas Digne a new contract as he views the Frenchman as an important player for the future.
Digne is currently sidelined after damaging his ankle ligaments in November but he started the season incredibly well as the Toffees rose to the top of the Premier League.
The defender’s current deal runs until 2023 but the 27-year-old was recently linked with a move to Manchester City by The Daily Mail.
Liverpool Echo journalist Christopher Beesley reported Ancelotti’s comments from his press conference ahead of the Toffees’ Carabao Cup tie with Manchester United.
Ancelotti said, “We are pleased to try and renew the contract of Digne, he is an important player for us for now, for the future.”
This news will come as a boost to Everton fans who may have been concerned that one of their star men could be lured to a Premier League rival.
Digne has been sensational in his eight Premier League appearances this season, assisting four goals as he showed his attacking credentials as well as his defensive solidity.
The Toffees have struggled without Digne and several players have attempted to replace one of the club’s most consistent performers.
Alex Iwobi, Fabian Delph and Ben Godfrey have all filled in for the injured Digne but only Godfrey, who is a natural centre back, has had any success in the role.
This leaves question marks over how the club would cope if Digne was sold at some point in the near future.
The signing of a new deal also speaks volumes about the project that Ancelotti is building at Everton as it seems as though the Frenchman is happy to rule out a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Securing the long-term future of Digne is an excellent piece of business by Everton and serves a timely boost as Toffees fans wait for the Frenchman’s return.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell isn’t concerned about the club’s recent financial losses.