Aston Villa in pursuit of Everton defender Lucas Digne – report
Aston Villa are one of the clubs looking to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne in the January transfer window, according to Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reported via their print edition on 2 January (page 141) that Digne is among a number of players Villa would like to sign in January.
Digne has apparently fallen out of favour under Rafa Benitez, and the Frenchman is facing an uncertain future at the club.
In-demand
The 28-year-old has made 13 appearances in the Premier League, and it seems his future lies away from Goodison Park.
Digne last played in the 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. He was picked in the squad to face Burnley on Sunday but remained as an unused substitute.
The Toffees paid around £18m when they signed him from Barcelona, but it appears that they are ready to allow the “sensational” defender [Andy Hinchcliffe (May 19)] to move on.
Clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere have been linked with a move for Digne, with Everton setting asking an asking price of £25 million for him [The Atheltic].
Everton have already moved quickly in January to secure the signing of Ukraine left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, while they are reportedly close to securing a deal for Rangers defender Nathan Patterson as well [The Athletic].
It remains to be seen if Aston Villa come up with a bid for Digne this month, but they are likely to face strong competition for his signature.
Villa, owned by billionaire owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, are expected to back Steven Gerrard with funds in the transfer market, and they can match Everton’s valuation of the player.
In other Everton news, Benitez questions fans after shocking scenes vs Brighton.