Everton have reportedly looked to the winners of La Liga and the Bundesliga, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, for a left-back.
Juan Bernat is one of the most exciting attacking left-backs in European football, a seven-time Spain international with four Bundesliga titles on his CV.
But according to the Mail (live blog, 12.20pm), Bayern Munich are still struggling to find a buyer for the former Valencia pocket rocket. It is understood that the Bavarians are hoping to overhaul their squad this summer with five key players up for sale – Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal, Jerome Boeteng, Sebastian Rudy and Bernat.
So far, however, it is understood that no side from the Premier League has expressed a genuine interest with their high wage demands a potential obstacle.
The Mail adds that Bernat has been considered by Everton, whose need for a new left-back is well established due to the lack of real competition for the ageing Leighton Baines. But it is claimed the Toffees are pressing ahead with a deal for Barcelona man Lucas Digne instead.
The Telegraph stated at the weekend that former PSG and Roma defender Digne has asked to leave Barcelona after making just 22 La Liga starts in two seasons at the Camp Nou. Everton are interested and would have to pay £10 million-plus.
Whether Everton are making the right call choosing Digne over Bernat is a matter of debate. The latter is only one year older at 25 and, although he has struggled with injuries of late, he is arguably a more useful attacking outlet; a Jordi Alba-style player who would give Marco Silva a real threat on the wings.
Digne, meanwhile, is perhaps a more reserved, defensively-minded player.
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