Kevin Campbell urged Newcastle United to sign Lucas Digne from Everton, suggesting he would be the ideal player to complement Callum Wilson.
Lucas Digne has forged his own unique identity in English football, becoming one of the most potent full-backs with Everton. The former Barcelona star has been useful in providing balls into the box for the Toffees strikers with accurate crosses or even from set-piece situations.
However, since the season began, the France international has not necessarily agreed with new manager Rafael Benitez’ tactics, which somewhat restricts full-backs from venturing forward. Digne is used to an attacking set-up and he has found it difficult to cope with the Spaniard’s more pragmatic approach to games.
There has been a thorough falling-out between the pair in recent weeks, as Digne has failed to make the last three matchday squads. Then there have been reports of the imminent arrival of Vitaliy Mykolenko in January, which points towards an exit for the Frenchman from Goodison Park next month.
If Everton decide to let him leave, there is plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, who seek quality reinforcements in defence. Some believe Digne could complement Magpies striker Callum Wilson in a similar way he’s serviced Toffees star Dominic Calvert-Lewin during his time at the club.
Kevin Campbell insists Digne would be a ‘striker’s dream’ pointing towards Wilson if Newcastle manage to snare him away from Everton in January. Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell bigged up the Frenchman’s qualities as a full-back, suggesting he would be a great signing for the Magpies.
Campbell said, “Oh yeah, he is a striker’s dream! Wilson would love playing with him just like [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin has. Not only is Digne a France international defender, but he is also a top-class wide-man. He gives you something else going forward.
“He has a wand of a left foot. When he swings thorough crosses in, they have the perfect spin on it, so as a centre-forward, all you need to do is get your head on it. The ball will do the rest. I think Digne would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle and one that is more than likely possible.”
The outcome of the fallout between Digne and Benitez will have consequences as it remains to be seen if the full-back leaves the club in January. The Frenchman’s contract at Goodison Park lasts until 2025, meaning Everton will set a huge asking price for suitors, which could be the deal-breaker.
However, with their newfound wealth, Newcastle will be able to pay top dollar for the quality Digne possesses. However, the big question is whether the Frenchman would want to join a team that are favourites to get relegated at the end of the season.