LUCAS DIGNE

Who is he? Where does he play?

Digne is Lille's 19 year old defender who may be set to become the Premier League's latest import from Ligue 1 as English clubs continue with their fetish for French talent. This time it is Manchester United who want to provide competition for their current French left-back with Digne, who is another French left-back.

Manchester United? What about Patrice Evra?

At the age of 31, there will be a concern that Evra won't be able to go on forever and after a dip in form last season, which has been allayed somewhat by a return to form in this campaign, Sir Alex Ferguson has toyed with the idea of challenging the current incumbent with younger, fresher alternatives. Alexander Buttner came in last summer but has failed to set pulses rating, so a move for this versatile starlet who can play on the left-side of centre-half and is equally as comfortable in midfield.

How much will he cost?

As well as challenging Manchester United rather annoyingly on the field, it looks likely that they will rather annoyingly challenge their neighbours in the transfer market too as the blue half has been credited with a £7 million bid for the 6ft tall left-back with designs to make him understudy to Gael Clichy. City's head of development Patrick Vieira is a keen admirer of the defender and has scouted him numerous times, suggesting how highly rated he is in his native France.

You talk a lot about France, but does he play for France?

I'm not the one mentioning the beautiful country twice in the same sentence. Though he does yes, albeit at under 19 level having represented Les Tricolores at every level from the tender age of the under-15s. Though as he continues to play regularly for Lille, he has played 21 times this season for the 2011 champions this season after making 16 appearances last year, it is only a matter of time before he impresses Didier Deschamps enough to become a full-international.

How does the lad play?

Digne plays left-back like all good modern left-backs; displaying a fondness for bringing the ball forward and a penchant for delivering crosses and passes into advanced areas. As a left-back however, there have been some questions over his tackling as many quick, skillful wingers, particularly those who lurk in the Champions League, can beat his hesitation with slight ease. At 19 however, and playing regularly like I said, he will only grow into a more talented individual.

N.B As well as mentioning France a lot, I also realise I say left-back a lot, so I do apologise.