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Everton take on Manchester United tomorrow in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup, but a lot of the chatter among Blues this week has been about injured star Lucas Digne.
The left back is still going through rehabilitation following surgery to correct an ankle ligament injury in late November. Digne is not expected to be back any time soon but a video posted on social media early yesterday showing him working out at the Finch Farm facilities certainly got tongues wagging that he might be back some time in January.
That wasn’t all though, with rumours from over the weekend that Manchester City might be interested in the Frenchman during the January transfer window as they attempt to bolster their already loaded squad [Daily Mail].
Reliable northwest journalist Paul Joyce then reported soon after that Everton were looking to give the 27-year-old a contract extension beyond 2023, with likely better terms than the £90,000 per week he is currently on.
Everton preparing to offer new contract to Lucas Digne.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) December 21, 2020
When asked today during his pre-match press conference for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup quarter final against Manchester United, manager Carlo Ancelotti did not seem concerned that Digne would sign the extension the club were preparing.
“The situation is that we are pleased to try and renew the contract of Digne. He is an important player for us for the present and for the future. The Club and our Director is going to talk to him.
“It will not be a problem to renew the contract to Digne because he is happy with us and we are happy with him.”
It is curious the timing of the contract talk, and if it’s something Everton have put out to quash any interest from Manchester City or beyond.
While his performances seemed somewhat down towards the end of last season, the left-back has sparkled again this season already racking up four assists. With Digne turning 30 when his current deal expires, it’s unlikely the Blues will offer him a deal too much longer than that, while a raise could probably put him near top earners Bernard and Yerry Mina at £120,000 per week.