Newcastle have been handed a fresh blow in their bid to sign wantaway Everton defender Lucas Digne, according to reports.
Reports emerged on Wednesday that the Magpies had made an ambitious offer to lure the French international to Tyneside, with Sean Longstaff offered as part of the deal.
Toffees boss Rafa Benitez is an admirer of Longstaff - who has just six months remaining on his contract - having given the 24-year-old his Newcastle debut back in December 2018.
Toon chiefs had reportedly hoped to use the North Shields native as leverage in any deal for Digne but the left-back is holding out for a move to a side that can promise immediate European prospects.
Chelsea have also been linked with the 28-year-old as a short-term replacement for the injured Ben Chilwell but they are only interested in a loan deal, which does not suit Everton.
The Mirror claim that Digne is prepared to scupper Benitez’s transfer plans by refusing a move to Newcastle.
The pair have had a public fall-out that has caused the Frenchman to be absent from the Everton side for their last six fixtures - since a 4-1 thrashing to bitter rivals Liverpool on December 1.
Benitez has already acted quickly to sign Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko on New Year’s Day, casting further doubt on Digne’s Merseyside future.
