Expert issues ‘fractious’ Everton claim after update on £20m potential signing as Digne exit nears
Lucas Digne is ready to leave Everton because of his “fractious” relationship with manager Rafael Benitez.
So says former Scotland manager Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Frenchman’s future at Goodison Park.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 17 December that Digne may leave in January, with Everton poised to sign fellow left-back Vitaliy Mikoleno from Dynamo Kiev for around £19.5million.
As per The Athletic on 8 December, Digne and Benitez’ relationship had soured, culminating in a dressing room spat ahead of their 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The 28-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for that match and has not featured in any of the Toffees’ subsequent four fixtures.
McLeish suggests that is “no surprise” to see Digne, who is under contract until 2025, linked with an exit after his fallout with Benitez.
He told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild: “He’s always looked like a top player to me.
“But there has always seemed to be a fractious relationship there between the player and the manager, Rafael Benitez.
“There could be something in that. It wouldn’t surprise me, in any case.
“I don’t want to add fuel to the fire, but I don’t think that’s a secret by any stretch of the imagination.”
Digne, who has captained Everton on four occasions this season, has made 15 appearances in 2021-22.
He joined the club from Barcelona for a reported £18million in August 2018.
In other news, pundit tips Everton to complete Nathan Patterson signing after Rangers twist.