According to Telefoot, via Maxifoot, Everton defender Lucas Digne had been convinced about the Lyon project with the Ligue 1 side targeting him, but it appears as though the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park could change things.

What's the word, then?

Well, Telefoot, via Maxifoot, report that the Toffees full-back and Atletico Madrid attacker Thomas Lemar were both keen on joining Lyon during the January transfer window, but the recent change of manager at L4 may well have altered things.

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Telefoot now report that the arrival of the experienced Italian on Merseyside will not only change the thoughts of the player, but it will also mean that Everton are even less likely to let the France international go anytime soon.

Indeed, Football Insider reported last week that the 60-year-old sought assurances that he could build his newly-inherited squad around the Frenchman and Richarlison before agreeing to become Marco Silva's successor.

The Ancelotti effect in full swing

It certainly wouldn't have been too surprising if Digne had been keen on a move back to his home country, especially with Everton finding themselves in a relegation battle under Silva rather than competing at the right end of the Premier League table.

There is no doubt that the appointment of the Italian, who has won the Champions League on three occasions as well as top flight titles in England, Italy, Germany and France, as per Transfermarkt, is a game-changer.

If true, Digne should be buoyed by the fact that a coach like Ancelotti sees him as a player he wants to build his side around as he looks to take the Toffees forward, and the 26-year-old has all of the ingredients to make a big difference in one of his sides.

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Five goals and nine assists in 58 outings from left-back in a blue shirt so far prove what he is capable of, and his potential partnership with Richarlison down the left could be pivotal to their success.

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