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Lucas Digne signed a new long-term contract with Everton on Wednesday – and the news features across Thursday’s national and local newspapers.

The Daily Mail carries quotes from the France international left-back, who said: “I want to play in Europe and Everton is the best place to do that. 

“I have seen the progress every year since joining the Club, we are building a strong team.”

The Liverpool Echo also features Digne, with the 27-year-old describing his connection with Everton as “like an amazing wedding”.

“The fans made me feel at home from the beginning, they showed me big love and created a song for me,” Digne added. “You just have to do your best every day to show Evertonians the love you have for them.”

Staying with the Echo, and the local read analyses the impressive impact made by James Rodriguez since he signed from Real Madrid last summer.

The paper points out James has had a key involvement in 17 Everton goals this season – five strikes of his own, seven assists and five second assists [the final pass before the assist]. The Blues have scored 32 times in total during James’ time on the pitch this term, meaning he has been involved in 53 per cent of Everton’s goals while he has been playing.

Sky Sports, meanwhile, links Everton with a move for Norwich City right-back Max Aarons.

The highly-rated England Under-21 international is also rumoured to be on the radars of Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Norwich are reported to value Aarons at between £30million and £35million.

And the Lancashire Evening Post highlights Everton loanee Anthony Gordon’s man-of-the-match performance in Preston North End’s 0-0 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday night.

The paper states Gordon was “the game’s most exciting player”, while Preston boss Alex Neil described the forward – who celebrated his 20th birthday on Wednesday – as “an excellent talent”.