Lucas Digne is convinced Everton are laying the groundwork to consistently compete with the major clubs in England and abroad.

Left-back Digne signed a new four-year contract on Wednesday, keeping the Frenchman at Goodison Park until at least the end of 2024/25.

He was immediately struck by the scale and order of the Club’s infrastructure when arriving from Barcelona in the summer of 2018.

And Digne noted the length of his fresh terms extend to a potential first season at Everton’s proposed new Bramley-Moore Dock home.

There was a boost for the stadium project this week when Liverpool City Council universally approved Everton’s plans, with the application now in Government hands for review.

“When I came here, I saw the quality of the training ground, we have very good buildings and pitches and we hope to have a new stadium in a few years,” Digne told evertontv.

“I was thinking about that [hoping to play in a new ground for the Club] when I signed the contract.

“The stadium plans look amazing.

“I can’t imagine the noise it would create after Goodison.

“It is amazing what we have.

“It is all pushing us on the pitch to be better and to be in Europe."

Digne, who is three appearances short of reaching his Everton century, won one league title and two domestic cups in two seasons with Barcelona.

He claimed two French championships in as many years at Paris Saint-Germain after transferring from fellow Ligue 1 team Lille in 2013.

The 27-year-old has played 35 time for world champions France following a senior debut in March 2014.

Digne is vying for his national team's left-back slot at this summer’s European Championship with Lucas Hernandez, a member of the 2018 French World Cup winning team, and Benjamin Mendy, Manchester City’s former Monaco defender.

 “In the national team, the competition in my position, and every position, is really strong and I have to play at the best level,” said Digne.

“I play in the best league and I want to play in the best cup in Europe [Champions League], for sure.

“And I want to do that with Everton.”