Sylvain Distin wants Leighton Baines to stay, excited by new Everton signing

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Everton have completed the signing of Lucas Digne from Barcelona.

Sylvain Distin has told Everton’s official website that he is impressed with the signing of Lucas Digne and expects him to shine on the left side of The Toffees’ defence – but also reckons Leighton Baines should stay at Goodison Park.

Digne, 25, penned a five-year deal with Everton this week, to finally solve Everton’s left-back woes in which Cuco Martina played out of position for much of the season with Baines struggling with a calf injury.

The signing of 21-time France international Digne is likely to push Baines down the pecking order, and at 33 years old, the former England international may be tempted to leave Goodison Park with teams reportedly interested.

Speaking to Everton’s official website, Distin predicted that former Paris Saint-Germain left-back Digne will shine at Everton – but wants Baines to stay and provide Digne with competition for the left-back slot.

“He has played for high quality clubs and I’m sure the experience he has got there has been amazing,” Distin said. “He will have a winning mentality and if you can add that to the group then he will, for sure, be a good signing.

“I think having that mindset is important and that is what the fans want to see. I definitely know he has signed for a great club. Now, I think the style of English football is a little closer to the Spanish league so that will be a benefit for him, too.

“It will be a challenge for both of them and if Lucas is clever enough he will learn and absorb from Leighton’s class and experience,” he said.

“Leighton has got that experience and quality and is a good guy, so that can only be positive for Lucas. It will be a good to have that competition for Leighton, too. It is always good to have people pushing you.”

TeamTalk claimed last week that the signing of Digne has seen Baines consider an exit, with Premier League duo Newcastle United and Burnley interested, as well as clubs from the MLS.

Baines has clocked up a huge 403 appearances in all competitions for Everton, but as he turns 34 in December, it appears that his time may be running out at Everton. He has less than 12 months left on his £70,000-a-week contract (Daily Star).