According to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle are discussing the possibility of signing Lucas Digne on loan.
The Everton defender has been linked with the Magpies in recent weeks, and he is reportedly a target the club feel could progress quickly following the Kieran Trippier deal.
It was reported by Sky Sports that Everton want £30million for the Frenchman, but Newcastle might have a different plan.
Edwards wrote on Twitter: “A loan with option to buy in the summer for Lucas Digne under discussion.”
But will a loan with an option to buy suit Everton?
Sky claim Lucas Digne loan doesn’t ‘suit’ Everton
Sky Sports claimed last night that Newcastle are keen to sign Digne, alongside Chelsea and West Ham.
They’ve now provided some more information on the situation surrounding the 28-year-old, and it sounds like a loan deal could be difficult. They state that Inter Milan and Napoli are interested in signing Digne temporarily.
Speaking live on Sky Sports on Wednesday morning about the possibility of Digne being loaned out, Vinny O’Connor said: “That probably doesn’t suit Everton – well it certainly doesn’t suit Everton – because Lucas Digne is certainly a sellable asset at the minute.
“They have already moved in the transfer market as we know. Rafa Benitez is looking to do further business in this transfer window as well.
“Given the financial fair play parameters that Everton are working within at the moment, they need to generate further funds to make it easier for Rafa Benitez to move in the transfer market.”
How can Newcastle land Digne?
Sky didn’t mention Newcastle possibly making a move on loan, but the point still stands.
As always in the transfer window, there are a lot of mixed messages. If Everton have no interest in loaning out Digne, why are Newcastle considering a temporary offer?
Digne is obviously a sellable asset for Everton, and they need to raise funds to make new signings – which they clearly need.
But perhaps there is room to manoeuvre. Newcastle could possibly pay a sizeable loan fee to secure Digne’s signature, or perhaps the loan deal could have an obligation to buy rather than an option. Or we simply pay the fee Everton want and sign him permanently now.
With so many clubs interested and differing agendas, it’s difficult to know which way this particular transfer rumour could go. But the fact remains that Digne would be a wonderful signing for Newcastle.
He’s a top class left-back and, whether it’s on loan or permanently, he would be a very welcome addition at St James’ Park.
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