Barcelona’s Lucas Digne is poised to join Everton for £22m, according to the Mirror, and the Frenchman’s imminent arrival could see Leighton Baines becoming a bit-part player at Goodison Park.
We are reportedly one of a number of teams interested in signing the 33-year old, with MLS clubs and Burnley also in the mix.
It’s fair to say that the reaction to our pursuit of the former England international has not been unanimously positive on Twitter:
He’s finished
— Adrian (@Adrian____29) 30 July 2018
No chance of that. Age and wages would prohibit a deal.
— Andrew Weatherhead (@a_weatherhead2) 30 July 2018
Dummett is better
— Rob (@rob077b) 30 July 2018
No chance we’d sign baines over Bryan with our current transfer policy
— Matthaus (@GeordieDubravka) 30 July 2018
Baines is an Everton veteran. they would not let him go unless his best years were behind him unfortunately. some player a few years back.
— Wayne heathwaite (@Wayneheathwaite) 30 July 2018
Drinkwater, yes please. Baines, jog on
— Mark Burgundy (@TheOneHansen) 30 July 2018
Would take Drinkwater,but we’re probably about 5 year too late for Baines.
— terry fitches (@terry_fitches) 30 July 2018
Verdict:
If we are looking to sign Baines, I would understand the reasoning behind it. He would be available relatively cheaply due to his age. He has the experience to provide good competition for Paul Dummett
On top of that, he would be an extra body at fullback with Javier Manquillo our only real cover for our first team starters. With Achraf Lazaar having been told to play for the reserves by Rafa Benitez, the Everton left-back could be a decent signing to strengthen on the left-hand side.
Should we sign Baines? Let me know in the poll: