Chelsea are set to ‘step up’ their pursuit of Everton left-back Lucas Digne as the club seek defensive cover during the January transfer window.
Digne looks set to leave Everton after a fall-out with manager Rafael Benitez, with the left-back having not featured across the Toffees’ past four Premier League fixtures.
Everton could allow the 28-year-old to leave this month following the signing of Ukraine international
Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv and the Sun are reporting that Chelsea will now make their move to bring Digne to Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel is in search of cover at left-back following the long-term injury to Ben Chilwell, the England defender having undergone surgery after sustaining an ACL injury during the Blues’ Champions League win over Juventus in November.
Marcos Alonso has failed to convince in Chilwell’s absence and the arrival of Digne would provide Chelsea with a Premier League proven performer at left wing-back.
Chelsea had attempted to recall on loan left-back Emerson Palmieri from his spell at Lyon, but have now turned their attentions towards a temporary deal for Digne.
However, it has been previously reported that while Everton are open to Digne leaving, they would only want to him to go on a permanent basis, with £25 million a reported valuation.
Digne has made 127 appearances for Everton since his arrival from Barcelona in 2018, scoring six goals and providing 20 assists.
