Wouldn’t it be something if Steven Gerrard’s first signing as Aston Villa manager is an Everton player and one managed by his former boss in Rafa Benitez?
For Aston Villa, that player could come in the form of a certain Lucas Digne, who hasn’t featured for Everton since they were beaten by Liverpool at the start of the month.
Whilst Gerrard is very much liked by the Villa fanbase, the same can’t be said for Benitez over on Merseyside and he hasn’t helped matters by seemingly falling out with a Goodison Park favourite in Digne.
Whatever has happened, Gerrard needs to pounce on the situation and lure the £18 million talent (BBC Sport) towards Aston Villa’s direction because it doesn’t seem as though this situation will be resolved.
Rumours have been rife that Digne could be heading for the Goodison Park exit door and the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea have been mooted as possible next destinations, according to The Sunday Mirror (19/12, p68).
What makes it more obvious that Digne will no longer be donning the colours of Everton are rumours that they are set to sign Dynamo Kiev’s left-footed flyer, Vitaliy Mykolenko, next month.
Either way, with Gerrard and Villa needing that competition and added-quality at left-back, then they have to make an ambitious move for the Frenchman during the winter transfer window.
If teams competing in Europe come calling for the France international, then, more than likely, Villa will lose out.
But this is where Gerrard needs to use his pulling power and try to lure a high-quality performer towards Villa’s direction.
Matt Targett was one of Villa’s best players last season and has had an indifferent time during this campaign.
The Englishman’s only competition is Ashley Young, who has outperformed him since his arrival, but he is also used in different positions by his manager.
Both Villa and Everton, who have a rich history in England’s top-flight, crave for Europe once more.
Whilst the Toffees supporters will feel that’s a long-distance dream with Benitez on the Goodison Park touchline, those in Villa colours are starting to believe again.
It’s going to be a tough and rocky road if Villa are to get to that goal, but a player like Digne certainly helps you put your foot on the accelerator rather than the brakes.
Benitez was already Mr Grinch when he decided to take the Everton job, for obvious reasons, and he’s not going to help himself by potentially selling Digne next month, regardless of who the buyer will be.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
