Everton set to sign Lucas Digne today as Barcelona give Frenchman permission to leave pre-season tour for medical
Toffees boss Marco Silva has finally bagged a left-back and the Frenchman who missed out on his country's World Cup win will be the long-term successor to Leighton Baines
EVERTON are close to signing Barcelona defender Lucas Digne for £22million.
The left-back has been cleared to leave Barca’s US pre-season tour to complete his switch to Goodison Park.
After missing out on France’s World Cup triumph, the 25-year-old wants regular first-team football to force his way back into Didier Deschamps’ plans.
He struggled to get past Jordi Alba for game time in Catalonia and will look to establish himself on Merseyside as the main man under new Toffees boss Marco Silva.
Digne took to social media to say his goodbyes.
He said on Instagram: “In the last two years have been a dream of a child that I have been able to realize I want to say thank you very much to all.
“In first to the Club that has given me everything since I arrived.
“The fans that are always next to the team and that have given me a lot of warmth for two years.
“The city of Barcelona that will always stay with me for what I have lived and for the people who are incredible at all times.
“And finally my colleagues who before being the best players in the world are amazing people who always help you.
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“All that to say that Barca is more than a club is an incredible family, a very strong hug to all and many luck for the season.”
The Frenchman moved to the Nou Camp two years ago from Paris Saint-Germain.
Digne has been earmarked by Silva as the long-term successor to Leighton Baines who looks set to leave Goodison Park after 11 years.
The 33-year-old has been attracting interest from the MLS from both LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC as well as Burnley and Newcastle.
