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Everton to tie Digne down to new deal

By Matt Townsend

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Lucas Digne of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 07, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 07: Lucas Digne of Everton in action during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 07, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Everton are ready to offer French international left-back Lucas Digne a new deal to secure him long-term and ward off other clubs who are showing interest in the player.

Digne has become a key player in this Everton team and he’s probably been the most consistent performer in the side since he signed from Barcelona in 2018.

And he’s arguably the best all-round full-back in the Premier League. Digne is a solid defender and possess pace, technical skill and a superb left foot with which he produces some fabulous passes and crosses from the wing.

His influence and creativity has been missed since the training ground injury that has ruled him out until at least the end of January.

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So far although missing his contribution, the Toffees have been able to get through the recent run of fixtures and claim nine points to re-boot a season that was threatening to subside into mid-table mediocrity.

Now with the January transfer window round the corner there are more rumours that other clubs are keen to try and prise the Frenchman away from Goodison Park.

The latest stories centre on Manchester City who are allegedly ready to make a bid for Digne. So the Blues are ready to improve the 27-year-old’s deal in order to keep him at Everton.

Digne is certainly a player whose form and contribution deserves a new deal and I think most Evertonians would be content to see it. Digne is a player that Carlo Ancelotti will very likely see as a key individual around who he will build as he takes his Everton evolution forward.

Interestingly without Digne Ben Godfrey has excelled filing in for him at left-back. The young ex-Norwich City player has been a revelation in that position and has provided Ancelotti with an unexpected conundrum.

When Digne returns to fitness will he straight away be back in the team? The probable answer is yes but will that upset a defence that has only conceded one goal in three matches and provided the Blues with a really solid base?

There is another way to solve this problem that’s to switch back a formation the Toffees boss has previously used with Digne playing on the left in front of Godfrey in a 4-4-2. However, I think it’s unlikely Ancelotti will do that as it limits his midfield options.

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