‘We’re selling Lucas Digne, not Dixie Dean’ - Everton fans react as Lucas Digne closes in on £25m Villa move

It's an inevitable departure that has been on the cards for some time.

Now it seems it's only a matter of time until Lucas Digne's exit from Everton is confirmed.

Since reports emerged that the left-back had been in an off-field dispute with Rafa Benitez over tactics, things have only looked one way since.

Digne's omissions from match-day squads against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, as well as being left on the bench in the 3-2 loss to Brighton, spoke volumes.

As did the arrival of Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev, who will cost the Toffees around £18 million.

And on Friday, Benitez admitted what Evertonians aplenty knew was already the case- Digne wants to leave Goodison Park.

There have been a host of clubs alerted by Digne's situation.

Chelsea first appeared the likeliest destination, with Ben Chilwell absent with a long-term knee injury.

Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and even PSG were also linked. A move to a club that frequently qualifies for Europe was seemingly where his next move would be.

Instead, Digne, 28, is now closing in on a move to Aston Villa for a reported fee of £25 million. According to talkSPORT, personal terms have been agreed and Villa ar hopeful of the deal being given the greenlight this week.

The fee will represent a £7 million profit from what Everton paid Barcelona in 2018 for the defender's services.

Digne been a regular starter since arriving on Merseyside, making 125 appearances and scoring six goals and is regarded and one of the Premier League's best left-backs.

That’s why some supporters are ruing what has happened and why he's allowed to depart.

But amid financial fair play pressures and his age, there are fans who believe cashing in on Digne is the prudent thing to do.

Here's what Evertonians have been saying on Twitter.