Rafa Benitez increasingly likely to sacrifice Everton outcast Lucas Digne in January
Rafa Benitez is open to selling Lucas Digne in the January transfer window as he looks to boost his transfer budget at Everton, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper reports that Digne, 28, is attracting attention from across Europe and while Premier League clubs are also in the hunt for a left-back, Inter Milan and Napoli are the only teams to register an interest in the France international.
It is understood that Digne has fallen out with Benitez and due to financial constraints at Goodison Park, it’s looking increasingly likely the Blues boss will “sacrifice” the left-back in order to raise funds next month.
Replacement needed
If we had to pick a handful of players who we didn’t want to see leave Goodison Park this January, Digne would definitely be one of them.
The attack-minded left-back struck a brilliant chord with Dominic Calvert-Lewin last season but injuries to both players have really hindered Everton’s progress in 2021.
It’s been a year to forget, let’s face it.
Carlo Ancelotti oversaw a massive slump in our Premier League standings before quitting for Real Madrid while Benitez’s arrival divided the fanbase and has since caused mass outrage due to the club’s poor form under his charge.
The issue with Digne is yet another blot against Benitez, who’s struggled to win over a lot of fans and has already lost the support of most of those who were open to his appointment.
Digne’s one of the best left-backs in the Premier League on his day. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen him at his best for a long time and yes, he is replaceable.
But will Benitez be able to tempt someone of Digne’s ilk to join a club that’s in a very poor position in the Premier League?
We doubt it.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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