Clinton Morrison has claimed that he is ‘surprised’ Lucas Digne isn’t playing for Everton amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle, as he told Sky Sports News.
The former striker pointed out about ‘Newcastle being interested’ in his talents, but it seems as though Aston Villa have won the race for his signature, as reported by Sky Sports.
Whatever has or hasn’t happened, it seems as though Digne and Rafa Benitez have had a bit of a falling out on Merseyside.
And whatever was done or said, it will now result in the 43-capped France international heading for the exit door.
Digne hasn’t played for the Toffees since they were beaten in the Merseyside derby and what makes it more obvious that his time is up are the club’s two new January signings.
Along with right-back Nathan Patterson from Rangers, Ukraine left-back, Vitaliy Mykolenko, have been signed up and the latter made his debut against Hull in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Either way, Morrison thinks Digne is a player who wants to ‘go forward’ and attack, whilst Benitez prefers a defensive set-up, which has probably been part of their disagreement.
“The one I am surprised about is Lucas Digne not getting enough game time,” said Morrison. “For me, how have you got him there and he’s not playing?
“I know he has fallen out with Rafa Benitez. He wants to go forward and Rafa wants him to defend.
“They are saying he won’t be at Everton. But if they decide they can’t get rid of him. I know there are a lot of clubs interested. Napoli. Newcastle are interested. There will be a lot of big clubs interested in him.”
This isn’t a case of Digne’s form going out of the window or his career stagnating, but a clear relationship breakdown with his manager.
All in all, the quality is still in his locker and his potential signing, to whatever club he signs for, is a big win for that club.
Newcastle will hope there is a late twist in him possibly heading down the M6 to Villa Park because both he and Kieran Trippier would make a difference on the flanks.
But it seems as though it’s going to be Digne and Matty Cash forming a partnership in the Midlands instead.
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