After completing a move for Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho on Friday, Villa are in advanced discussions with former Blaugrana left back Lucas Digne.
The Everton defender has fallen out with manager Rafa Benitez, who confirmed that Digne had asked to leave the club. The Toffee’s continue to struggle on and off the pitch, with supporters uneasy with the former Liverpool boss’ progress at the club to date. Digne’s request to depart Goodison Park serves only to underline that all isn’t well.
It’s reported this evening that Villa are in pole position to sign the 28 year old, which would see the club beat interest from Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham United.
If Villa should prove successful in making the deal happen, it would have to stand as a coup, in acquiring a consistent full-back in what is a troublesome position for Gerrard’s side.
Should the Frenchman arrive at Villa Park, it would immediately bring much needed competition for Matt Targett. Targett has struggled for both form and consistency this season, with the recent defeat away at Brentford underlining the urgency for Villa to strengthen the left side of defence.
It has been reported that personal terms are not an issue, with the matter likely to come down to valuation and the completion of a successful medical. The La Liga and Lique 1 winner is believed to be valued in the region of £25m by Everton, who paid £18m for the French international in 2018.
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