Everton star Chelsea’s solution as Neville slams Lampard’s problem player
Chelsea want to sign Everton left-back Lucas Digne as a cheaper alternative than Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, according to a report.
Blues boss Frank Lampard, who is unconvinced by Marcos Alonso, is on the hunt for a new left-back in the coming months.
Reports claim England international Chilwell, worth more than £70million, is the Blues’ top target.
ESPN says Lampard eyes Chilwell providing a similar spell of longevity in the role as Ashley Cole did for Chelsea.
And while Porto’s Alex Telles is reportedly another option, ESPN adds that Chelsea are also keen on Digne.
The 26-year-old has proved a fantastic signing for the Toffees, missing only six Premier League games since his move from Barcelona in 2018.
The source claims Everton would expect a “high fee” for Digne, who moved to Goodison Park for £18million.
However, given he turns 27 this month, Chelsea believe a deal would be significantly cheaper than a move for Chilwell.
Manchester City are also keen on Digne, with manager Pep Guardiola facing his own problems at left-back.
Benjamin Mendy has not had a consistent run in the side due to injury. What’s more, there are reportedly doubts about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s ability to play at the highest level.
CHELSEA’S ALONSO SLAMMED BY NEVILLE
Spain international Alonso is currently Lampard‘s first-choice left-back.
However, there were signs on Wednesday evening as to why the manager may be looking for a new option in the role.
Gary Neville highlighted his concerns over the player during commentary of Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to West Ham.
West Ham caught their visitors on the counter-attack late on and Neville criticised Alonso for not chasing Andriy Yarmolenko, who scored the winner.
Neville said (via the Daily Mirror): “You see Yarmolenko is back there with Alonso.
“Look at him, look at him, look at him. What are you doing Marcos Alonso? What are you doing? There’s his running back speed.
“It has cost Chelsea the game, along with a poor piece of defending from [Antonio] Rudiger. Marcos Alonso is level with him [Yarmolenko] at the point where that counter-attack starts and he doesn’t bother.
“That’s why he is under pressure at this football club. Frank Lampard will see that.
“Run back as fast as you can when your team lose the ball. You learn that aged six.”
The result put a dent in Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
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