Everton and Rafa Benitez want to sell Lucas Digne this January after the French defender questioned Benitez’s tactics. According to various reports, the relationship between the pair has deteriorated. The former PSG and Barcelona left-back has not been in good form for a while and the Spaniard’s defensive gameplan does not suit the 28-year-old’s attacking instincts. Everton have signed Vitaliy Mykolenko for £17.9 million, a fee which could increase with add-ons. The 22-year-old left-back came through the youth ranks at Dynamo and has won 21 caps for Ukraine. Everton want to use him and push Digne for a sale this winter.
The French left-back was not in the squad when Everton pulled off an impressive comeback to beat Arsenal 2-1 on two weeks ago. Ben Godfrey played out of position to fill the gap left by Digne. He was left out of the trip to Chelsea due to illness with Benitez leaving cryptic messages as to why Digne was not in the squad.
Rafa Benitez was announced as the replacement for Carlo Ancelotti who left for Real Madrid this summer. The Merseyside faithful have not taken to the former Liverpool manager with results dwindling and performances looking dire. There have been chants of ‘fat Spanish waiter’ at the former Valencia boss who also endured the same at Chelsea. Benitez is known for his fiery personality leading him to fall out with several players. Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Albert Riera, Sergio Ramos, John Terry, Jamaal Lascelles, James Rodriguez, and even Cristiano Ronaldo have all had their issues with the UEFA Champions League-winning manager. Digne looks the latest in line. There is rumored interest from Chelsea with Ben Chilwell recovering from an ACL injury and Marcos Alonso delivering horrid performances. New money-backed Newcastle United and Eddie Howe are also sniffing around as they look to help their squad avoid relegation.
