Rob Dorsett: Villa in advanced talks with Everton for Lucas Digne
Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Everton over a January transfer move for Lucas Digne, according to Rob Dorsett.
The Sky Sports journalist posted the information on his personal Twitter account on Sunday evening.
The France international left-back, 28, is said to be keen on a move to the Midlands outfit ahead of others, with around £25million expected to seal his move from Everton to Villa.
Dorsett said: “Aston Villa look to have beaten competition from Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle.
“Now in advanced negotiations with Everton for Lucas Digne.
“Chelsea have not pursued initial interest. Digne prefers Villa over other options.
“Fee to be agreed – probably between £20-25m. Personal terms not expected to be a problem.”
Good deal
Getting between £20million to £25million for the former Barcelona man is a very good deal, and that fee should come in handy for Everton.
The Toffees have splashed the cash on Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson this month, and selling Digne will help balance the books.
The defender is out of favour after falling out with Rafa Benitez, and he has not featured for the Blues since their defeat to Liverpool early last month.
Digne has played his last game for the Goodison Park outfit from the look of things, and he will now be looking to kick on once a move to Villa works out in the coming days.
Mykolenko has arrived as his replacement, and Benitez will hope the Ukrainian hits the ground running on Merseyside.
Digne will be keen to prove what he can do under Steven Gerrard at Villa Park, and a move should benefit every party involved.
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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