Michael Ball fears speculation that Rafa Benitez is looking to sign a new striker could mean Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison are heading for the Everton exit door.

Benitez was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor last month after the Toffees saw the Italian quit Goodison Park in favour of a return to Real Madrid.

Everton missed out on qualifying for European football after finishing 10th in the Premier League standings and it has been touted that Ancelotti would be interested in taking Calvert-Lewin to the Bernabeu in a £50million switch.

Richarlison, who missed out on Copa America glory after Brazil suffered a defeat to Argentina in the final earlier this month, also has suitors after scoring 13 goals last term.

Reports suggest Real Madrid have already made contact with the striker as they look to seal a deal.

The Toffees have been linked with making a move for the likes of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, but ex-Everton left-back Ball would prefer see Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison remain at the club.

Ball exclusively told Football FanCast: "The speculation does concern me. We've been linked with a lot of strikers but we'd like to keep our best players and then add one or two.

"There are a lot of fringe players on big wages so it's always going to be difficult for Everton to move those players on. Sometimes the easy way to bring pennies into the football club is by selling your big guy. That would bring two or three players in. It's a balancing act."