We’re not necessarily desperate for left-back enforcements before the transfer window closes, because Joe Gomez (naturally a centre-back, last season a right-back) has made the position his own in pre-season.
It looks like he’ll pip Alberto Moreno to the starting spot versus Stoke as a result of his summer performances, but the rumours surrounding Lucas Digne’s future refuse to go away.
The 22-year-old Frenchman’s agent Mikkel Beck has stated that his client needs to leave PSG to get enough minutes to cement himself in the France side for Euro 2016, which is of course being held on home soil.
SEE MORE:
(Video) Watch Benteke’s shooting practice pre Stoke clash
Fabio Borini reportedly in talks with Fiorentina over permanent move
“It’s simple. There are the Euros at end of the season and Lucas will no longer waste time,” he began, quoted in the Echo.
“He wants to re-join the France squad for Euro 2016. And that can only happen with game time.
“He must be able to play in a big club and, above all, to have a starting spot. Otherwise, it’s not worth leaving PSG.”
So there you have it: Digne will only sign for a ‘big club’ who’ll guarantee him a starting role.
While we fit the first criterion, there’s no way Digne could be guaranteed first-team football with the development of Gomez and the fact Moreno is a full Spanish international with recent links to Barcelona (via Express).
With Jon Flanagan nearing on a return too, we’re probably set at fullback – with summer signing Nathaniel Clyne an automatic starter on the right of defence.