Everton tipped to sanction loan-to-buy Digne deal after ‘massive’ development – expert
Alex McLeish has tipped Everton to sanction a loan-to-buy deal for Lucas Digne to join Chelsea in the January transfer window.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old may be seen as a temporary solution for the Blues after Ben Chilwell’s season-ending injury.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday (28 December), Chelsea are considering a move for Digne, with Chilwell set to undergo knee surgery.
The Blues are reportedly considering several options, with Digne thought to be available after falling foul of manager Rafael Benitez.
McLeish admitted he has doubts over the Frenchman’s ability to be Chelsea’s first-choice left-back.
As such, he suggested a loan-to-buy deal could suit all parties.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I do not know if Chelsea or Tuchel would deem Digne at their level. That may be a stumbling block.
“Losing Chilwell is a massive blow to them. Maybe Chelsea do think Digne is a decent replacement.
“Certainly, in terms of cover, then I am sure he could do a job. But if Chelsea were targeting him as a first-choice left-back, I would have thought there would have been another main target.
“It may cover a period where they’ve lost Chilwell. It will probably be one where they take him on loan and say if he does well, here’s the deal.”
Digne has not featured in any of Everton’s last three Premier League games after being dropped.
He has a total of 127 appearances under his belt for the Toffees to date.
In other news, pundit claims Everton may have to splash out “£10million-plus” to seal new defender signing.