Rafa Benitez opens up on Everton defender Lucas Digne situation
Rafa Benitez has suggested that Everton defender Lucas Digne is a key player for the club.
The French defender apparently has fallen out with Benitez, and he is being linked with an exit in January.
Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are some of the clubs vying for his signature. Chelsea and Newcastle are reportedly interested in him as well.
Benitez said (23 December) today that he was “surprised” with the Digne situation. Paddy Boyland of The Athletic has tweeted:
“Benitez on Digne: ‘I want to be clear from the beginning, Lucas Digne has been a key player for us. He was working hard in training and games. I was surprised by the situation.'”
Interesting
Digne has played 13 Premier League games for the Toffees, but he didn’t feature since Everton’s 4-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, a host of clubs are vying for his signature, including Newcastle.
Everton are set to bring in Dynamo Kyiv left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko [The Athletic] in the January window, and there is a feeling that Digne will be replaced.
The Frenchman could be involved in the Boxing Day clash against Burnley on Turf Moor.
At the moment, Everton have as many as six players injured and five players are out with Covid for this game.
On top of that, Benitez cannot start with Dominic Calvert-Lewin who hasn’t played for over 2-3 months. Another injury for him would be a catastrophe.
Digne hasn’t been at his best this season, and chances are high that he could be sold in January. Or has Rafa changed his heart?
In other Everton news, a football finance expert makes £42m FFP claim amid Toffees’ recent transfer development
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