Lucas Digne: Everton full-back set for Aston Villa move as clubs agree £25m deal
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Digne signed a new £120,000-a-week contract at Everton in February last year
Everton's Lucas Digne is set to move to Aston Villa after the clubs struck a deal worth up to £25m.
Villa have tracked full-back Digne since he fell from favour with Everton boss Rafael Benitez this season.
Digne admitted he did not expect his time at the club "to end his way" as he made a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday to thank Everton fans.
"Sometimes it only takes one person from outside to destroy a beautiful love affair," the 28-year-old wrote., external
In a separate development, Everton have inquired about Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi.
Last week, Benitez said France international Digne "doesn't want to be here", having not made any starts for Everton since 1 December.
Several clubs registered their interest in the left-back, including Newcastle United, Chelsea and sides from Serie A, but Villa appear to be in the driver's seat for his signature.
"What has happened and some things that was said about me in the last month has made me very sad," Digne wrote.
"But I will not enter a war on words with anyone.
"The club don't deserve that, the fans don't deserve that - and to be honest, I don't feel that I deserve that."
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Everton see El Ghazi as adding strength out wide and Villa value him at £15m, although the Toffees are keen on taking him on loan until the end of the season rather than as a permanent signing.
Dutch winger El Ghazi signed for Villa in 2019 after a season on loan from Ligue 1 side Lille.
The 26-year-old has made 71 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals, but has mostly been used as a substitute since the arrival of manager Steven Gerrard.
Meanwhile, Villa have completed the loan signing of Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
The deal for the Brazil international includes an option to buy the 29-year-old for £33m at the end of the season.
"Philippe Coutinho arrived at Bodymoor Heath on Tuesday afternoon to complete his move to Aston Villa," said the Midlands club.
Villa added he "travelled straight to the club's training complex having landed in Birmingham, coming after he successfully completed his medical and obtained a work permit".
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