Barcelona defender all-but-certain to join Toffees as Marco Silva’s second summer signing
Lucas Digne has arrived on Merseyside to undergo a medical ahead of his switch to Everton.
The Barcelona defender was granted permission to leave the Catalan giants’ pre-season tour of the USA to head to Merseyside for the medical examination, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Blues came to an agreement with Barcelona late last week to sign the full-back, who will compete with Leighton Baines for the left-back berth in Marco Silva’s team.
The fee was thought to be as high as £22m for Digne, but reports now suggest that the price is closer to £18m.
Everton would have to stump up a further £2m in add-ons depending on how Digne performs at Goodison Park but, for the time being, the figure won’t be reached.
Digne was high on Silva’s and Marcel Brands’ list of transfer targets as they bid to find a solution to the problematic area of their first-team squad.
The 25-year-old will join Everton, passing his medical pending, and sort out another gaping hole in the senior side though.
He arrived at the Pall Mall medical facility in Newton-le-Willows on Tuesday afternoon.
And any confirmation of the deal could come as soon as Wednesday, providing Digne and his agent accept the terms of the contract offered by Everton.
The Toffees will be the fifth club that Digne has played for after Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Barcelona.
He will become the second signing of Silva’s era on Merseyside too, and join ex-Watford starlet Richarlison as a new face around the Finch Farm training complex.
Digne will bring a wealth of experience – both club and international – with him as well as a winning mentality and quality in both attacking and defensive roles.
Everton are still keen on landing Digne’s former teammate Yerry Mina, but talks over that potential move have slowed recently.
The Blues also wish to secure the signing of a midfielder and striker before the deadline on Thursday 9th August as well.