Newcastle to clash with Chelsea for Lucas Digne
Newcastle United is on course to make some serious moves in the market in January after the PIF-owned outfit looks to push for Everton’s wantaway French international Lucas Digne.
This comes by way of ESPN senior writer James Olley who has stated that Newcastle is keen to make a play for Digne in January after the Frenchman has fallen out with manager Rafa Benítez.
Newcastle want to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne on a permanent basis. Chelsea are keen on a loan move, however Everton would prefer to sell him on a permanent deal. Everton are thought to want in the region of £25m, a figure that would not deter Newcastle [@JamesOlley] #NUFC
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) December 31, 2021
Digne had already attracted interest from Premier League title-chasers Chelsea in the wake of the season-ending injury suffered by key left-back Ben Chilwell, but according to Olley, Everton is far keener to see the player leave on a full deal that would cost suitors roughly £25million; a sum that Newcastle are said to have no issues in meeting come the opening of the winter window.
Should a deal be struck, Eddie Howe would have a massive upgrade on the left side of the defense that is currently occupied by one of Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie, or Paul Dummett. But with the trio of defenders out injured at the time of writing, the need for a concluded deal for Digne is great.
Two potential defensive upgrades in January
A deal for Lucas Digne would signal somewhat of a transfer coup by Newcastle, though perhaps not entirely out of the realm of the imaginable considering their newfound wealth given their new owners.
GRANADA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 22: Kieran Trippier of Atletico de Madrid is tackled by Carlos Neva of Granada CF during the La Liga Santander match between Granada CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes on December 22, 2021 in Granada, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
But perhaps two deals in the opening days of the window would be a little bit more shocking. Newcastle has also been linked with an increased chance in landing England veteran right-back Kieran Trippier, and are said to be also nearing completed arrangements to see him return to the Premier League.
Both deals would show clear signs of intent from PIF as they hope to arrest the club’s abysmal 2021-22 campaign as soon as possible, and further interest in players like Jordan Veretout have painted the picture of the club being more than willing to splash any available funds to supply Eddie Howe with the tools to avoid the massive prestige hit which would come with yet another relegation.
