Barcelona are near a deal with Paris Saint-Germain for defender Lucas Digne and could even present him as soon as this week, according to a report from Spanish outlet Marca.
Digne, 22, would compete with Jordi Alba at left-back.
Under a headline stating “Barca tab Digne” the outlet says Barcelona will sign him for “an amount close to 16 million euros” (Dh65m).
See more
• The National's Transfer Talk page: News, rumours, analysis and more
Alba has been pretty much ensconced in the position since his arrival from Valencia prior to the 2012/13 season. Aside from an injury hit 2013/14 campaign, the Catalan player has started at least 27 league matches in each of the rest of his five seasons with the club, where he is a largely popular figure.
Alba had as firmer grasp than ever on his place in the starting XI last season, starting 29 La Liga matches and another eight in the Champions League under Luis Enrique. And, at 27, he is in the midst of his physical prime.
Nonetheless, Digne would offer important cover and long-term prospects after a promising loan campaign at AS Roma, where he started 32 Serie A fixtures for the third-place finishing side.
Marca reports the Frenchman is "the chosen one ... to strengthen the position" at left back and "compete" with Alba. The Italian club will not use its option to purchase Digne as per their loan agreement with PSG, it states. With Maxwell and the young Layvin Kurzawa, the Ligue 1 champions are reportedly set at the position.
"The negotiations to close Digne are very advanced and could be tied up in the next 48 hours," Marca states.
The report posits the transaction could be concluded and the player could be presented on Thursday. Samuel Umtiti, the France defender just signed from Lyon, is to be presented on Friday.
Digne was in the France squad for Euro 2016, but did not play as the hosts were ultimately defeated in the final by Portugal.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
