Chelsea transfer boost in Lucas Digne race as Rafa Benitez confirms full-back has demanded to quit Everton this month

CHELSEA have received a boost in their pursuit of Everton's Lucas Digne after Toffees boss Rafa Benitez confirmed he wants to leave the club.

The 28-year-old left-back has not featured in any of Everton's last six Premier League games since they were beaten 4-1 by Liverpool on December 1.

Benitez has instead opted to deploy Ben Godfrey on the left side of his defence while rumours began to circulate over Digne's future on Merseyside.

And, amid links to Chelsea and Newcastle, the Everton manager has now opened up about Digne's desire to leave.

Speaking ahead of their FA Cup third round tie against Hull, he said: "I think it was very clear. I want to ask the question to every fan and former players – what Peter Reid will do and say when a players says he does not want to be there. It's there, simple.

"A couple of conversations with [Digne], he told me what he thought. What do you expect the manager to do when the player is thinking about to leave?

"I will say again: the fans, former players. What will Peter Reid say if a player goes to the manager and says he does not want to be here?'"

Elaborating on using Reid as an example, he then added: "I know Peter Reid and I know how passionate he is about defending the club.

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"I am using him as an example so that people understand my idea. I don't try to criticise anyone. Everyone has their opinions.

"When I was talking about Peter Reid, it was about someone who cares; who was always pushing for the best from everyone on the pitch. That was the idea.

"So when I talk about that, I'm talking about myself also wanting everything from the players. When they do not do that, I can be upset."

Benitez then aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Digne by suggesting the player is more interested in his own performance rather than the team.

"I'm a professional and I try to manage," Benitez said. "Since my first day here, I know what the fans want. When you are not winning, it's more difficult.

"But the reality is we need players who want to be here, for any reason. Talking about individual stats when the team finished 10th? It means nothing to me.

"We need a winning mentality, we need ambition and we need to do things in the right way. Everyone knows each other here really well."

Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle are out of the race for Digne - leaving Chelsea in a strong position to scoop him up.

CHELSEA UNDECIDED

However, there are a number of other Prem clubs in the frame and Chelsea remain unsure whether they want to sign another left-back.

Ben Chilwell has been ruled out for a lengthy period of time after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament, with Marcos Alonso the only other recognised left-back in the squad.

Speaking on , Romano said: "Lucas Digne will leave Everton, never been in doubt.

"Three Premier League clubs interested, next week will be key - Chelsea are still waiting to decide on LB situation.

"Again, Digne will not join Newcastle. No way - and Lille are still hoping to keep Sven Botman."

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