There's been a major twist in Newcastle United's pursuit of Everton defender Lucas Digne, and it's good news for Magpies fans...

What's the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested that while Eddie Howe's side are interested in signing the left-back, there appeared to be no chance of him moving to St James' Park, with Digne instead preferring a move elsewhere.

But now, according to journalist Carlos Reynoso on Twitter, the Magpies have stolen a march on Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman.

He said: "Newcastle not only took away the possibility of signing Trippier to Chelsea, they are now very close to taking Digne out of Everton."

Fans will be excited

Talk about a big change in the script.

After Fabrizio Romano's suggestion that Newcastle was never being considered as a realistic destination by Digne, this latest update has certainly flipped things upside down, and in the Magpies' favour.

Speaking about the Frenchman last term, Jamie Redknapp said: “You need good quality, you need good crosses, they need to have assists and he (Digne) is an exceptional player.

"He puts it into great areas all the time, a little bit like Robertson. He looks like the sort of lad you want in your team because he gets stuck in as well. He can play in a back three as well."

It would be a serious statement of ambition from the new owners if they could manage to convince a player to turn down a side competing for titles like Chelsea, for a team currently in the midst of a relegation battle.

Money certainly talks, and if PIF have turned Digne's head because of being willing to back Howe and throw that extra bit of cash towards new players, then they have to be applauded for their ambition.

The £27m-rated star could complete the perfect double-act at full-back alongside Kieran Trippier, an exciting prospect for the St James' faithful.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have been handed an update on Callum Wilson...