Everton defender Lucas Digne is a player Newcastle United should be looking at in January.
The Magpies are set to make a splash in the transfer window, backed by the wealth of PIF. It’s the first chance for the new owners to invest in the squad, and they desperately need to with Newcastle embroiled in a relegation zone.
Eddie Howe needs improvements all over the pitch. But the most pressing area of concern is the defence.
Newcastle’s defensive record this season is appalling, and it’s likely that we’ll target multiple defenders when the transfer window swings open.
And following reports about his future, Everton left-back Digne is someone Newcastle should make a move for.
Lucas Digne linked with Everton departure
Once upon a time, Digne was one of the Premier League’s best left-backs. His £18million move from Barcelona to Everton in 2018 was a wonderful piece of business by the Toffees.
But it appears things have turned sour. The 28-year-old has reportedly had a falling out with ex-Toon boss Rafa Benitez, and could leave in January.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Digne might leave if Everton get a good offer. In the meantime, they’re already lining up his replacement with Vitaliy Mikolenko reportedly set to join in January.
90min.com add that Digne wants to leave Goodison Park. He’s been linked with Newcastle, with the Mirror claiming the Magpies could make a move.
Digne would walk into Newcastle United’s starting XI
Newcastle should certainly be paying attention to talk of Digne leaving Everton. He’s a player who would drastically improve our squad.
Left-back is a bit of a problem position for Howe. We have three options there, but each have their own problems. Paul Dummett has been a long-term casualty, while Jamal Lewis picked up a hamstring problem in the defeat to Liverpool.
Then we’ve got Matt Ritchie, who isn’t an out-and-out defender. And, at 32-years-old, his best years are behind him.
Digne would trump all three of Howe’s current left-back options. He’s got experience at the highest level, and understands the Premier League. He’s proven to be a leader too, often wearing the captain’s armband for Everton.
The France international has a wand of a left foot, with his set pieces leading to a plethora of Everton goals during his formative years at Goodison Park.
Amid talk that we could sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid, a move for Digne as well would give us two attack-minded left-backs who are comfortable in possession. They would improve our defence, and inadvertently boost our attack as well.
Digne will likely cost a sizeable fee, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023. But Newcastle have cash to splash, and the 28-year-old could be a wonderful piece of business.
The Magpies have been linked with a ridiculous amount of players since the takeover went through, and Digne is a target PIF have to launch a bid for in January.
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