Everton agree Vitaliy Mykolenko transfer paving way for Lucas Digne exit after Benitez row

Everton are on the verge of completing the signing of Ukrainian international left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv in a deal understood to be worth just under the £20million mark. The defender, who has previously been scouted by Manchester United, has been closely tracked by Everton’s recruitment team in the past 18 months and the Toffees have now moved quickly to ensure they have a deal in place for January 1.

Everton’s summer spending was hampered by Financial Fair Play restrictions meaning they were only able to shell out a mere £1.8million on new recruits ahead of the new Premier League season.

While Rafael Benitez has ultimately paid the price for the lack of quality amid a number of injuries within his squad, the likes of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have proved to be exceptional value for money.

But now Everton, without former sporting director Marcel Brands, are prepared to get busy in January to salvage their season.

Express Sport understands Mykolenko will be the first name through the door after a deal – worth an initial £18m plus performance-related add-ons – was agreed with Dynamo Kyiv after talks were esculated via the club’s owners and their contacts in Eastern Europe.

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Mykolenko’s arrival could now pave the way for fan-favourite Lucas Digne to depart following his recent dispute with Benitez. Their relationship remains fractured.

The Frenchman was recently dropped from the side following a disagreement with his manager in the dressing room, with Ben Godfrey now filling in as a makeshift left-back.

Much like Richarlison, Digne has previously made it clear that he wants to play Champions League football but has shown loyalty to Everton’s project and ambition in recent seasons.

Yet if a suitable offer arrives in January, Digne now could end his three-year spell on Merseyside.

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Express Sport has contacted Digne’s agent Mikkel Beck for comment on his client’s situation.

Benitez refused to deny that a deal was close with Dynamo for Mykolenko last night after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

“At the moment I cannot say too much, because I was focused on the game,” he said.

“Now it is [about] trying to enjoy it, we will have plenty of time to talk about the transfer window.”