VILLA ADD TO SQUAD AS DIGNE SIGNS UP

Lucas Digne has completed his move to Aston Villa from Everton.

The left-back joins in a deal rising to £25 million after falling out with Toffees boss Rafael Benitez.

The French international becomes Villa’s second January signing after Philippe Coutinho’s loan arrival from Barcelona.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard said: “When Lucas became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him to the club.

“To sign a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa.”

Digne, who moved to Goodison Park from Barcelona in August 2018, said in a post on Instagram he has “loved to be a part of the Everton family”.

Benitez confirmed last week the 28-yearold had said he no longer wanted to play for the club.

Digne added: “Only one year ago I signed a new contract with the ambition of staying in this club for a long time, giving everything for my club, for the development and project, that I believed in – and for the passionate fans.

“My dream was helping the club back where it belongs.

“But everything must come to an end. I just did not expect it to end this way. What has happened and some things that was said about me in the last month has made me very sad.”

● Chris Wood has become Newcastle’s second January signing after completing his move from relegation rivals Burnley.

The 30-year-old New Zealand striker has signed for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in excess of £20m, on a two-and-a-half yearcontract and could make his debut in tomorrow’s showdown with fellow strugglers Watford at St James’ Park.