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‘Talks on’: Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa frontrunners for £30m man

Lee Connor

Sun 9 January 2022 20:15, UK Updated Sun 9 January 2022 20:30, UK

Aston Villa are now frontrunners to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne this month, with claiming that Steven Gerrard’s side are now in talks to land the Frenchman.

Digne is expected to leave the Toffees this summer, with a number of clubs keen. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa have all been tipped to make a move for the left-back. Everton apparently want for their man, and Romano has now taken to Twitter to suggest it is Villa who lead the race.

Romano says Villa are in talks, while Chelsea have now pulled out of the running. Newcastle, as Romano has said more than once, are not an option for Digne as things stand.

Villa have already made moves in January and have backed Steven Gerrard with the signing of former Liverpool superstar, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is due to arrive on loan from Barcelona, and could even sign permanently in the summer. Villa are also interested in Brighton midfielder, Yves Bissouma.

Digne has fallen out of favour at Everton under Rafa Benitez. A move is now more or less certain, and Villa appear primed to strike. The Frenchman will likely battle it out with Matt Targett for the left-back berth.

TBR’s View: Aston Villa Backing Gerrard With Digne Another Big Signing

French international, check. Experience at Premier League level, check. Lucas Digne is a fine player and will improve Aston Villa, despite Targett’s reliability.

It is clear Villa are backing Steven Gerrard now too. If Digne arrives along with Coutinho, then Europe might be a genuine shout for this Villa side. Clearly, Gerrard was told he’d be backed and the owners are coming up trumps.

The only issue Gerrard will face now is that the pressure is on. He must deliver. But based on the start he’s had, he’ll probably do just that.