Newcastle are wasting their time with reported Lucas Digne offer – opinion

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According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle have made an improved offer for Aston Villa-bound Lucas Digne.

The Magpies made a move for Digne after the Kieran Trippier deal was completed, with reports suggesting they’d made a £22.5million bid for the Frenchman.

However, it was claimed that the 28-year-old wasn’t keen on a move to St James’ Park. At that point, it was clear we just needed to move on.

Then Aston Villa entered the frame, and a deal is now reportedly at an advanced stage. Digne is keen to leave Everton, and Sky Sports claim he is interested in a move to Villa Park.

Despite that deal nearing a conclusion, it has been reported that Newcastle have raised their offer. But why?

Digne isn’t keen, so Newcastle must look elsewhere

It’s unclear why Newcastle are improving their offer for Digne. The main issue seemed to be the player, not the offer.

Considering our position in the table, we need a specific type of player. That’s why recruitment is so difficult.

We need players who want to fight to survive – we can’t afford to have the wrong characters. In the same vein, players of a higher quality may be less inclined to join the club given the chance of relegation.

The latter seems to be the issue with Digne. Villa look a lot more comfortable in the Premier League, which is why Digne is probably keen to join – with no move from West Ham or Chelsea forthcoming.

If Newcastle weren’t fighting relegation, then we’d have a better shot at landing Digne. Then it would make sense to enter a bidding war with Aston Villa.

But this deal is gone. Digne seems certain to join Villa, and even if he doesn’t it’s been reported that he isn’t sure about Newcastle.

That alone should have been enough for PIF and co to look elsewhere. Talk of an improved offer is very strange indeed.