Ex-Everton man Michael Ball has expressed his disappointment over Richarlison’s form this season amid talk over his future.

The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the club in the wake of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s shock decision to move to Real Madrid.

Football Insider have reported that the Toffees are braced for Richarlison to ask to leave, with Ancelotti considering a reunion with him at the Bernabeu.

Richarlison endured a difficult season under the Italian, scoring seven goals and laying on three assists in 34 league games.

The 24-year-old scored four goals in four games between February and March, but then went on a run of just one goal in 12 games.

And Ball believes that the forward pushed himself too much as he tried to earn himself a summer move, and ended up letting himself down.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, the ex-Everton ace said: “I feel Richarlison, especially, his performances, while his work rate is fantastic and he works really hard for the team, I feel he was probably trying too hard.

“Maybe he knew that this was a big season for him, if he did well, he could move on but I feel he’s let himself down by maybe trying too hard and forcing the issue and not being composed, and getting the goals that he wanted to get to that next level.”

Richarlison has been with Everton since 2018 and is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt.