Lucas Digne’s impending arrival at Everton will reportedly see Leighton Baines, a target for Premier League opponents Newcastle and Bunley, bid farewell.
After 11 years and 403 appearances, Everton’s longest serving player could be on his way out of Goodison Park.
It is common knowledge that the Toffees were looking for a long-term successor for the 33-year-old left-back Leighton Baines, with Barcelona’s Lucas Digne expected to sign for £22 million, according to the Mirror.
But a report from TEAMtalk claims that the Frenchman’s impending arrival could pave the way for Baines to make a shock departure from the club he joined back in 2007.
TEAMtalk are reporting that Digne’s arrival opens the door for Baines to move elsewhere after over a decade of loyal service.
A number of clubs in the US have already expressed an interest in a man who has won 30 caps for England, while Newcastle United and Burnley have also allegedly made enquiries.
Baines would be perfect for Newcastle despite his advancing years. The former Wigan defender remains as dangerous as ever with that wand of a left foot and would represent a far more attacking option than Paul Dummett on the left of Rafa Benitez’s back line.
But the Chronicle reports that Newcastle would struggle to afford Baines’ wages, meaning Burnley could be seen as the most likely destination should he decide against following former England teammates Wayne Rooney and Ashley Cole across the Atlantic.
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