Everton have opened talks with La Liga giants Barcelona over a move for full back Lucas Digne this summer, according to journalist David Anderson.
The Mirror reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the Toffees have made contact with the Spanish side as they look to snap up the capture of the 21-cap France international, but that the Spanish side are looking for a fee of £22million to green light the left sided flyer’s exit.
Digne himself is said to be open to a move away from the Nou Camp, with the 24-year-old having only appeared 20 times across all competitions last season.
Good move for Everton?
At £22million, it is not the cheap deal that the Toffees might have been expecting, and there is no guarantee he will live up to that price tag if he were to move to the Premier League.
Leighton Baines is not getting any younger and a long-term replacement does need to be sourced at some point, but whether the French international is the right option remains to be seen.
Considering his experience and age, this probably will fall on the side of being a smart swoop for Everton, but there can be no denying it is a risky move for such a hefty fee.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
With contact made, now comes negotiations, and it will be here where a move will be determined.
Everton might find themselves blown back by the asking price and call off the move immediately, but the more likely scenario is that discussions will lead to some sort of compromise.
He seems a good fit for the Toffees and if a price can be agreed, then it should go ahead.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10