Newcastle United have made their move for Everton left back Lucas Digne – by offering midfielder Sean Longstaff as part of the deal.
Sky Sports report that Newcastle are pushing to sign Digne and have now put their first offer on the table.
Newcastle are offering £22.5million for Digne, but are trying to tempt Everton into a deal by offering up Longstaff.
That might not sound all that enticing; Longstaff has started just nine Premier League games this season and has seen his development stall over the last couple of years.
Yet this could actually be appealing to Rafael Benitez, given that he was the manager who gave Longstaff his Newcastle chance.
Benitez compared Longstaff to Michael Carrick and wanted Everton to sign him over the summer transfer window.
Sky Sports claimed earlier this week that Everton want £30million for Digne.
That’s a healthy profit on the £18million Everton paid for Digne in 2018, despite his current situation.
Digne has been left out of the Everton side of late, seemingly falling out of Rafael Benitez’s plans.
Newcastle want a new left back, and Digne would be an ambitious signing given his attacking ability.
In order for Newcastle’s offer to be accepted, Everton would have to value Longstaff at around £7.5million.
What is truly remarkable is that Newcastle wanted a staggering £50million from Manchester United for Longstaff in 2019.
Now, Newcastle are left clinging onto hope that Everton think he is worth a more fraction of that price.
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