Newcastle United favourites to sign Chelsea defensive target?

Newcastle United are reportedly leading Chelsea in the race to sign Everton defender Lucas Digne.

Digne recently had a fall out with manager Rafael Benitez. He has since not played a single minute for the Toffees.

He has been touted to leave the club this month, and ESPN claims that the Magpies could be his next destination.

Chelsea want to sign Digne as a temporary replacement for Ben Chilwell, who is out for the season after a knee surgery.

However, they are likely to be pipped to the player's signature by the Magpies, who are ready to discuss a permanent deal.

The Toffees are keen to bring in new players, and they are said to prefer the permanent exit of Digne for around £20 million.

Newcastle are planning for a busy transfer window following their takeover from a Saudi-led consortium earlier this season.

They are eyeing at least five new players as they look to jump out of the relegation places before the end of the campaign.