Michael Ball has called for Rafa Benitez to strengthen his midfield options by welcoming Harry Winks to Everton.

Benitez was appointed as the Toffees' new boss in June and made a winning start to his Goodison Park reign as Everton came from behind to seal a 3-1 victory over Southampton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

However, the Merseyside club suffered a blow before the curtain-raiser as five players were forced to self-isolate due to coronavirus guidelines.

Two of Benitez's new signings, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, were thrown straight into the starting line-up but former Everton left-back Ball wants the Spaniard to target Winks.

Winks was an unused substitute in Tottenham Hotspur's weekend win over Manchester City and, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton hold an interest.

Aston Villa are also courting the 25-year-old central midfielder but Ball has urged Benitez to make sure Winks heads to Goodison Park as long as the Toffees abide by financial regulations.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Ball said: "Harry Winks does fit the bill. I think Everton have a lot of money to spend and they would like to spend it but, unfortunately, Financial Fair Play is hindering the football club right now.

"It's a question of whether Marcel Brands can maximise the amount of money they can bring in to go and invest in players like Harry Winks."