Former Everton defender Michael Ball is happy seeing Abdoulaye Doucoure sign a new deal last week.

He wrote for the Liverpool Echo: "I was delighted to see Abdoulaye Doucoure sign a new contract with the club.

"Since Sean Dyche has come in, Doucoure has been one of our better players, and who will ever forget the goal he scored against Bournemouth?

"But I also think that Doucoure is a prime example of what can happen when someone, like your manager, shows faith in you. The smile on his face now tells the story.

"Next summer could be another difficult one for the club due to the number of players we have out of contract, which is why it is important to see players like Doucoure tied down."