Everton have finally managed to land Marco Silva this summer, who has replaced Sam Allardyce after an average campaign in the Premier League last time around. The Portuguese tactician is now desperate to add quality to his first team and one player he continues to be linked with is Barcelona star Lucas Digne.
The 21 times capped French international has struggled for playing time in Catalonia, fighting for a place in the first team with Spanish international Jordi Alba. He has been linked with a move to Everton even at the start of the summer and it is now understood that the English side are close to making Digne their new signing, in a €20m deal in the next few days.
The 25-year old played his first senior game with Lille and spent just two years with the senior side at the club, before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2013. He failed to establish himself in the first team in Paris but made a name for himself at the highest stage during his loan stint with AS Roma in the 2015-16 campaign. He did enough for Barcelona to come calling, as they signed him on a permanent deal in 2016.
Known for his strength and ability to dribble past opponents with ease, Digne is a defensively disciplined left-back, who can also create chances at the other end. He is hard to beat in the air and is also smart with his hold up play and at just 25, can be a huge asset for Everton.
He got just eight league starts in Spain last season, but registered two assists and was effective, every time he was called upon from the bench. He has gathered enough exposure at the highest level and will now want to play regular football, which might be possible next season at Goodison Park.
Silva wants to make sure that he finds a long-term replacement to Leighton Baines in the first team at Everton and has been linked with the likes of Kieran Tierney this summer. However, it is now suggested that Digne will be a part of the Everton squad for the upcoming campaign.
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Baines is now 33 and will help Digne settle into the Premier League surroundings. His experience will be crucial for Digne to make an impact at Everton while the competition for a place in the first team with Cuco Martina, will only push both players to improve, making him a real impact signing for the Toffees.
