Everton signing Niels Nkounkou admits a call from manager Carlo Ancelotti convinced him about leaving Marseille.

Nkounkou, 19, joined on a free transfer from Marseille this summer after Juventus and RB Leipzig had also made their interest known.

“Carlo called before we finalised my transfer," Nkounkou told evertontv. “He told me he was very pleased I was coming over to join the club and that he was going to teach me a lot of things so I would be ready to play from my arrival.

“Carlo had a great career as a player and another great career as a manager, everywhere he has been he has won titles.

“When a coach like him takes an interest in you, it is something that makes you really proud.

“It was a great pleasure for me and my family when we heard Everton were interested in signing me.

“I was certainly struck by the Everton project – that hit home with me straight away.

“Then came the matter of the various choices before me, including the choice of managers open to me, and when I saw it would be Carlo Ancelotti commanding this great vessel, the decision was quickly made.

“I am delighted to be where I am today."