West Ham United are interested but Trevor Sinclair believes Lucas Digne will be a ‘fantastic’ addition for Newcastle United if Everton are willing to sell to a Premier League rival, speaking to talkSPORT (5 January, 12.30pm).
It’s never usually a good sign when two different managers don’t take a liking to the same player.
So when you consider that Emil Krafth has featured in just two of Newcastle’s first eight games under Eddie Howe – after finding game-time hard to come by under Steve Bruce too – the impending arrival of Kieran Trippier could conceivably spell the end of his Magpies career.
Not that too many at St James’ Park will be particularly disappointed.
It may sound a little brutal but the Sweden international has become an unfortunate symbol of Newcastle’s malaise, a living, breathing embodiment of the club’s acceptance of mediocrity.
If Krath epitomised the Mike Ashley era, Trippier feels like a fitting first signing for the Saudi Arabian regime.
According to Sky, Newcastle have agreed a £12 million deal for an England international who tasted La Liga glory with Atletico Madrid just a few months ago.
And, if the Telegraph are to be believed, Newcastle are growing increasingly confident of securing another elite-level full-back with Lucas Digne on his way out of Everton.
Suddenly, an area of weakness could become a position of real strength for Eddie Howe.
Will Lucas Digne leave Everton for Newcastle?
“I’ve not been impressed with his defending, I’ve got to say, out of possession and in the final third areas,” says Sinclair, the former West Ham and Man City winger.
“But going forward, I think he would suit Newcastle if they play with wing-backs. Kieran on one side, Digne would do a superb job on the other side, getting forward, getting on the ball, dominating possession.
“And if (Newcastle) can get a forward, someone who’s going to go up there with Callum Wilson, I think that would be a fantastic move for them.”
Only one full-back in the whole of the Premier League (Aaron Cresswell) produced more assists than Digne in 2020/21.
West Ham are interested too, as are Aston Villa and Chelsea, but Newcastle are ready and willing to put their money where their mouth is.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
