Quincy Charles
Rafa Benitez remained tight-lipped about recent reports concerning Dynamo Kyiv player Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Lucas Digne has lost favour with Benitez, and Mykolenko appears to be on his way to Goodison Park.
The Toffees have been monitoring the 22-year-old for months, believing he is one of Europe’s greatest full-back talents.
Mykolenko will join Everton in the New Year, according to Dynamo Kyiv coach Mircea Lucescu.
Benitez was asked about the latest development of Mykolenko’s probable transfer at his pre-match press conference, but he refused to say anything.
He was also asked if the France international would be available to face Burnley.
Digne hasn’t played in Everton’s last three games, but Benitez says he could make an appearance at Turf Moor if the match is played.
“At the moment, yes,” Benitez confirmed when asked if Digne is in line to play on Boxing Day.
“I don’t know what will happen before the game, but at the moment, yes.”
Benitez added: “I want to be very clear: from the very beginning Lucas has been a key player for us.
“He’s an important player and is working hard during games and training. It’s not about the manager or the player, it’s about the fans and the club.
“Lucas is our player. The other players in the market, everyone can talk about that, but my main concern is to concentrate on the players I have and the players that are available.
“Lucas is one of these players, so hopefully he could be available (to face Burnley).”
