French Defender Delighted with Manchester United Link

Lucas Digne has admitted delight at being linked with a summer transfer to Manchester United. The 19-year-old left-sided player plays for Lille LOSC in France's Ligue 1 and Tutto Mercato Web earlier linked the France U19 international with Old Trafford. It is understood that Digne is seen as a long-term replacement for compatriot Patrice Evra.

"Manchester United: They are a top club and to be linked with them means you must be doing something well, but I will not lose sleep," the young defender told Le 10 Sport.

"I live day to day because I feel very happy at Lille, this is the club of my heart, the club that developed me. I do not make plans in a rush. I am not planning to leave. I see things from the perspective of staying for a while to continue to play regularly, gain experience and develop," Digne added.

The teen is considered one of the brightest talents in French football and is contracted to the club till 2017. He was also linked with a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid in December, when Jose Mourinho was short of options at left-back. A move to the Santiago Bernabeu may still be on the cards, though given the hugely impressive performances of another 19-year-old French youngster in the Spanish capital - Raphael Varane. Incidentally, Varane was born in Lille.

Regardless of speculation, these comments from Digne should set Lille fans' minds at ease and also reassure manager Rudi Garcia. The defender is in his second season with the French club's first team and has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season, including five in the Champions League.

Lille are 10th in Ligue 1, with 37 points from 25 games.

Finally, aside from United and Madrid, reigning European champions Chelsea have also been credited with interest. The Daily Mail reported that the Blues were believed to see the youngster as a long-term replacement for England international Ashley Cole, 32.

Ferguson to Rotate for FA Cup

Meanwhile, United host Reading in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The match, scheduled for 8pm GMT on Monday night, will see Sir Alex Ferguson rotate his squad.

'We've come through Wednesday's game [a Champions League tie against Madrid] without any injuries. That's the best thing, apart from the result of course. I'll make some changes for Monday night, even though it's an incentive to get to the quarter-final. I don't think that's lost on any of the players," the Scot told the club's website.

"There's a good spirit in place and they're all contributing. Whatever side I pick we're expected to qualify. That's what happens at United. Whatever team you play you're always expected to win," he added.