Lucas Digne has been linked with a move away from Everton. The likes of Chelsea and Newcastle are reported to be interested in the French full-back.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie reported on Twitter this week that Newcastle have made a £22.5m bid for Digne, with Sean Longstaff offered to Everton as part of the deal.
Everton are keen on signing Sean Longstaff, according to Craig Hope from the Daily Mail.
The feeling is that Digne would prefer a move to London as opposed to the North-East. This would make it difficult for the Magpies to land the £119k-a-week (Spotrac) man. Fabrizio Romano claims there is “no way” the full-back will go to Newcastle.
Lucas Digne wants Everton exit
The Toffees take on Hull City in the FA Cup, and in the press conference ahead of the game, Benitez discussed the topic of Digne. It appears that the Frenchman wants to leave and the ex-Newcastle boss thinks it’s beneficial for both parties.
As quoted on 90min, Benitez said about Digne: “We have some conversations. He told me what he thought. So what do you expect the manager to do when a player is thinking about leaving?
“We need commitment. We don’t need enquiries. I am not in charge of the negotiations but when someone is asking, they have to commit themselves and say ‘I will buy’.”
What should Newcastle do?
With Digne not wanting a move to Tyneside, Newcastle should look elsewhere if they are to bring in a left-back in January.
However, there is no doubt that Digne would make the Magpies a better team and would be a good signing for Eddie Howe’s side.
Another left-back option for the Toon Army to consider is Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax. According to the MailOnline, Newcastle is considering the Argentine as another deal to explore should the Digne deal not materialise.
It appears that the pursuit of Digne will not be likely at all, so the Magpies will need to assess other left-back options this January.
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