Everton may have lost the answer to their transfer conundrum against Lucas Digne with a move to Chelsea now “highly unlikely” Fabrizio Romano reports.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, the Italian football journalist said Chelsea were instead focusing on recalling Emerson Palmieri from his Lyon loan.

The European champions are apparently willing to offer compensation to the French side to get the Brazilian back, after seeing their initial recall attempt rejected.

Therefore for Everton, Romano writes: “The deal with Lucas Digne now looks very unlikely. Nothing advanced. Everton are asking for a permanent move.

Headache for Benitez

The development is not good news for Everton manager Rafael Benitez, with the funds from offloading the full-back potentially crucial to securing inbound transfers during this window.

It is also a blow to the player himself, who has already reportedly spoiled his manager’s plans by refusing a transfer to Newcastle. [The Mirror], a deal the Spaniard had hoped would help secure Sean Longstaff in the opposite direction.

The France international prefers a move that will give him the prospect of playing in the Champions League and with most viable candidates preferring only a loan deal, it was hoped that some of Roman Abramovich‘s millions could be the answer.

With first-choice winger Ben Chilwell potentially out for the season after the surgery, the Blues were thought to have an interest in Digne.

But the prospect of a major offer seems to be fading, with Benitez having admitted that the ex-Barcelona had asked to leave the club [BBC], he now faces the potential of carrying a disgruntled player into his squad and running out of transfer funds.

In other Everton news, the star man is reportedly lined up by Arsenal.