Lucas Digne: Aston Villa close in on swoop but winger “discussed” to move to Everton in opposite direction

Aston Villa are now the frontrunners to sign Lucas Digne but Anwar El-Ghazi has been discussed about potentially joining Everton.
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

Lucas Digne appears to be closing in on a move from Everton to Aston Villa.

The left-back has been widely expected to depart Goodison Park during the January transfer window.

Will Lucas Digne join Aston Villa?

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Digne had an off-field dispute over tactics with Toffees manager Rafa Benitez over tactics, which led him to be omitted for three games last month.

And after Benitez confirmed the France international wants to leave Everton on Friday, he was not involved in the 3-2 victory at Hull City in the FA Cup the following evening.

Digne’s been linked with a host of clubs. Chelsea, Inter Milan, Napoli, West Ham and Newcastle United are among those who have been credited with an interest.

But it appears that Aston Villa have got their noses in front as Steven Gerrard continues his business after already signing Philippe Coutinho this month.

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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter that Villa are now the “frontrunners”.

However, the possibility of Anwar El-Ghazi moving in the opposite direction has also been discussed.

Romano wrote on Twitter: “Aston Villa have been working for days to sign Lucas Digne. They’ve always been frontrunners - Chelsea out of the race #AVFC Talks on, not 100% agreed yet between clubs.

“El Ghazi also been discussed - nothing agreed on this point as Everton want cash. Next week will be key.”

Will Anwar El Ghazi join Everton?

Anwar El Ghazi in action for Aston Villa. Picture: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty ImagesAnwar El Ghazi in action for Aston Villa. Picture: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
Anwar El Ghazi in action for Aston Villa. Picture: BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
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Benitez would like to bolster his wide options at Everton this month.

Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have both been excellent acquisitions since arriving in the summer - with both netting in the Hull win.

Meanwhile, youngster Anthony Gordon has come to the fore in recent months and continues to make eye-catching progress.

However, Benitez may want another winger for the second half of the season, especially with Alex Iwobi - who is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria - yet again struggling for form.

El Ghazi scored 10 goals in 28 Premier League appearances for Villa last season.

However, he has struggled for regular minutes this term, having played only 11 times in all competitions.