Lucas Digne

[cdward]

The simplicity of this it that Gerard needs high intensity, quick full backs that will get goals and assists. Targett is a player I have huge admiration for, but he is not that man sadly. He isn't quick enough, and is not consistent enough going forward. Robertson and Alexander Arnold are the aim here, Digne is, in form, probably only a step down from that. On the right side, I am pretty confident that should Cash not improve his final ball, he will be fairly swiftly moved out too. Gerrard needs the output on both sides to be better.

KKH being recalled from his loan at Swindon will be putting heat on Cash to perform.

[The Edge]

The simplicity of this it that Gerard needs high intensity, quick full backs that will get goals and assists. Targett is a player I have huge admiration for, but he is not that man sadly. He isn't quick enough, and is not consistent enough going forward. Robertson and Alexander Arnold are the aim here, Digne is, in form, probably only a step down from that. On the right side, I am pretty confident that should Cash not improve his final ball, he will be fairly swiftly moved out too. Gerrard needs the output on both sides to be better.

I agree on both counts. Targett is a decent solid lb but has consistency issues. Cash is also decent and has a lot more pace than Targett and has a better engine. But it's been said for some time now that for all his pace and attacking threat he can be annoyingly wasteful with his crossing. He needs to learn to look up before he fires the ball into the box. Sounds easy but some players just can't manage that and for me it's what turns good players into great ones. Hopefully Matty can learn this because I really do like him.

[ozzjim]

I’m all for Digne coming in but I don’t think it’s the big upgrade people think but there’s nothing wrong in having good options in all positions
he will be better in certain areas and not as good in others

I also think Target Will become more appreciated when he’s not there anymore

I agree. Targett but for a couple of lapses (Watford opening day) is generally a fairly solid left back. The issue with him is the attacking output, but my fear is you put a less accomplished defender on the left, Mings is more exposed. Unless you get the holding midfielder right, which could cover a multitude of sins.

[enigma]

Happy with this signing. He's an upgrade on Targett and bang in his prime. We need to get past the idea that players are over the hill once they reach 30. That hasn't been the case for a long time now. Players are playing at the top for a lot longer than they ever have before. Besides Even if we only get four years out of him that's about the average you tend to get no matter their age before they move on.

[sickbeggar]

Bit of a strange one for me. I suppose he's better at crosses  (7 assists last season and the season before) but is he any good at defending?.  I suppose its added quality in an area we're threadbare in so can't be too negative I guess.

[Drummond]

Happy with this signing. He's an upgrade on Targett and bang in his prime. We need to get past the idea that players are over the hill once they reach 30. That hasn't been the case for a long time now. Players are playing at the top for a lot longer than they ever have before. Besides Even if we only get four years out of him that's about the average you tend to get no matter their age before they move on.

Teddy Sheringham, Dean Windass and of course, Sir Stanley Matthews would all argue against you... 😉

[kippaxvilla2]

Personal terms agreed now apparently.  Still to sort out fee though.

[Nev]

Every time a commentator said his name I couldn't stop myself saying "sleeps with the fishes".

[LukeJames]

Looking on the Everton forums and Dignes social media, to a man they seem gutted about him going and theres no real signs of any of them saying he has a bad attitude, more so they're blaming Rafa.

Anyway its a good sign that they're pissed off that he's leaving and taking one of our current direct rivals better players is a huge plus for us.

[sickbeggar]

Hmmm. They hate Rafa so anyone who falls out with him is gonna be flavour of the month.

[ursineultra]

Coutinho and Digne, insane. Best transfer window in ages if this comes off.

[eamonn]

Best January window since Young and Carew in 2007 anyway.

[chrisw1]

Very exciting.  But I don't think it will be a great window if we don't get an excellent DM.  I still think a Bissouma type (without the sex pestery bit) should be our No 1 priority.   

[sickbeggar]

Very exciting.  But I don't think it will be a great window if we don't get an excellent DM.  I still think a Bissouma type (without the sex pestery bit) should be our No 1 priority.

Yep.

[chrisw1]

Phil McNulty - BBC Sport (via Twitter)
Lucas Digne from Everton to Villa not as advanced as has been suggested. Villa have an interest and Steven Gerrard is an admirer but they have yet to table any bid & Digne's wages could still be an issue. Very much on Villa's radar but not a done deal by any stage as yet.