Leicester and Newcastle reportedly join the race for unhappy Everton star

Chelsea have also been linked with a January swoop for Lucas Digne.
By Will Rooney
Published 20th Dec 2021, 08:16 BST
Updated 20th Dec 2021, 08:17 BST

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Everton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesEverton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Everton defender Lucas Digne. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Two more clubs have reportedly entered the race for Everton's Lucas Digne heading into the January transfer window.

It's claimed that Premier League rivals Leicester City and Newcastle United are now rivalling Chelsea to land the left-back.

Background

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According to The Athletic, Digne had an off-field disagreement with Toffees boss Rafa Benitez over tactics.

The France international was omitted from Everton's squad for games against Arsenal and Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Meanwhile, he missed last Thursday's heroic 1-1 draw at Chelsea due to illness.

Everton appear set to sign Dynamo Kiev's Vitaliy Mykolenko in the January transfer window, which has cast doubt over Digne's Goodison Park future.

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Benitez could look to cash in on the former Barcelona defender to raise funds amid financial fair play problems the Blues are currently negotiating.

What's been said

Chelsea have already been linked with a swoop for Digne on a loan-to-buy basis.

Thomas Tuchel's men are currently in freefall and are struggling without Ben Chilwell, who's sidelined with a knee injury.

Lucas Digne in action for Everton this season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesLucas Digne in action for Everton this season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Lucas Digne in action for Everton this season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

However, as per the Mirror, Leicester and Newcastle are also interested in Digne.

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The Foxes are aiming to get their season back on track after crashing out of the Europa League.

Youngster Luke Thomas has been Brendan Rodgers' first-choice left-back this season, with Ryan Bertrand acting as deputy following his summer move from Southampton.

Meanwhile, Newcastle look poised to splash the cash next month in their bid to retain their top-flight status.

Results haven't picked up despite the Magpies' Saudi-backed takeover and the appointment of Eddie Howe as manager last month.

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Newcastle were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City on Sunday and languish 19th in the table.

How likely could Digne join either club?

In truth, you could rule Newcastle out.

The Magpies have a serious battle to avoid relegation this season and it's not unrealistic to think they'll be in the Championship next term.

With the 2022 World Cup around the corner, Digne won't want to jeopardise his chances of representing France.

And with Digne likely wanting to play European football - preferably in the Champions League - Leicester may also not be an option.

Related topics:LeicesterMagpiesNewcastleChelsea

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