Lucas Digne targeted by Inter Milan and Napoli as Rafael Benitez looks to raise January transfer funds

Everton full-back Lucas Digne's chances of a January exit have increased with Italian clubs Inter Milan and Napoli registering their interest in the out of favour left-back.

Rafael Benitez is open to offers for the 28-year-old defender as he looks to raise funds to reinforce his squad. Everton are interested in Dynamo Kiev left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko as a replacement, and as anticipated French international Digne is not short of admirers should he decide to end his Goodison Park career in the next few weeks.

The Merseysiders will want a significant fee for Digne. He joined Everton from Barcelona for an initial fee of £18 million in 2018. But after a fall-out with Benitez, there are bridges to build to at Goodison. He was dropped earlier this month with Ben Godfrey used at left-back. Then, having been recalled for Everton’s last game away at Chelsea, Digne pulled out late with illness.

Everton have not played since due to the Covid situation, which may help Benitez in getting injured players back and adding reinforcements when the transfer window opens next week.

Speaking before he offered the olive branch of a recall in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, Benitez told Digne he had put the team first.

“What he has to do is ensure he continues working hard and the team is ahead of any individual,” said Benitez.

“It is clear: the manager decides. I don't want to talk too much about individuals, it is not fair for the group. The team was doing really well with different players on the pitch the other day so we can do it.”

Analysis: Benitez's need to strengthen squad behind likely Digne exit

Rafa Benitez needs players and Everton cannot spend significantly in January unless they raise cash. Lucas Digne looks increasingly like the transfer sacrifice Benitez is prepared to make.

From the moment Benitez made it known how much financial fair play rules were restricting him, it was clear he would be assessing which of the club’s more saleable assets could offer a solution.

Over the last month, all roads have led to Digne, especially when he was left out of the squad after a disagreement with the coach. Ben Godfrey has been a short-term replacement at left-back. Benitez will have his eye on others who could be signed for a bargain price and lower wage, thus freeing up funds to strengthen elsewhere in his squad. He has to be creative to rebuild his team, even if it means losing those who a year ago would have been considered mainstays of the starting XI.

Benitez barely spent last summer because of the FFP restrictions - Everton have overspent and underdelivered in the last five years and must now stay within certain budget parameters.

That made the offloading of James Rodriguez critical last summer, saving £250,000 per week on his wages. The money was reallocated to fund bargains, loan signings or clever free transfers, such as that which bought Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray. If he chooses to go, Digne should be easier to shift than Rodriguez.

Whatever issues there have been between the left-back and Benitez, the French international is admired around Europe. There may be Premier League clubs in need of a left-back too, although so far only Inter Milan and Napoli have registered interest.