Everton Reportedly Step Up Interest in Barcelona Duo Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina

Everton have reportedly stepped up their interest in Barcelona defenders Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina.

According to Alan Myers of Sky Sports, the Toffees have intensified their interest in the pair as new manager Marco Silva seeks to improve his options at the back:

It's been reported by Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport that Everton have representatives in Barcelona to try to wrap up a deal for Digne quickly, with a transfer likely to go ahead for around €16 million (£14 million).

"Digne is ready to sign for Everton because he wants more regular playing time," said Miguelsanz. "Digne has travelled with his Barcelona team-mates to the United States despite knowing a transfer is close to being completed."

Mina has been linked to the Toffees throughout the summer, and on Tuesday it was reported there were other European sides in for the Colombia international.

According to RMC (h/t Sport Witness), Lyon have made a €30 million (£26.7 million) offer for the defender, while Manchester United are also credited with an interest.

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Sport noted that while Digne is in Barca's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, Mina was not included. He played an important role for Colombia at the FIFA World Cup in the summer, helping the team into the knockout stages.

At the World Cup, the Barcelona defender formed a brilliant partnership with Davinson Sanchez for Colombia.

He has also proved himself as a major threat in the opposition box:

Mina only arrived at Barcelona in January from Palmeiras and didn't look completely comfortable when he turned out for the Blaugrana.

While he was assured and combative for Colombia at the World Cup, he appeared a little overawed for Barca. In the 5-4 loss to Levante late in the campaign, the only match the Catalan club suffered defeat in all season in the league, he was particularly poor.

The arrival of Clement Lenglet from Sevilla means there is even more competition for Mina to contend with at Barca as things stand, and a move away would give him the chance to get more football.

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Digne is also in need of regular football having struggled to dislodge Jordi Alba since joining Barca in 2016.

The France international is a capable left-back, as he's a diligent defender and energetic in his raids forward. He's still only 25 too, although his career has stalled in the last couple of campaigns in La Liga.

Needless to say, Rafael Hernandez of Grup14 wasn't impressed with Digne last term:

In fairness to Digne and Mina, neither were regulars for Barcelona, and moving to a team like Everton would give them the chance to get a lot more football under their belt.

The Toffees are short at left-back, where Leighton Baines is reaching the twilight of his career, and centre-back heading into the new season. After completing a deal for Richarlison on Tuesday, it would be a shrewd double move if they can get the Blaugrana pair through the door.