Bosnian midfielder Muhamed Besic believes that he has become a better player thanks to the experience gained during his first season with Everton.

The 22-year-old joined the Toffees from Ferencvaros last summer and made 23 Premier League appearances as Everton finished the season in 11th place in the table.

And Besic says he is ready to play a bigger part for Everton this season, saying that he has improved his game markedly thanks to knowledge he has gained from both team-mates and his manager, Roberto Martinez.

He told the club’s official website: “I wouldn’t say I am a better player, but a more experienced one. Every game I have played this past season has helped me.

“From the manager I have learned many things, for example tactics.
Before every match he explains to us how to play against the team we are playing and everything he says helps me a lot. I always try and listen in order to learn something.

“Tactically, I didn’t know many things, but Roberto has explained to me so I always try to improve every day, after every training session.”

Meanwhile, former Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu is reported to be close to securing a permanent move back to Goodison Park from Barcelona.

The talented 21-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Sevilla, but struggled to make his mark and is now rumoured to be keen to return to the Premier League, having scored three goals in 25 league appearances for Everton during the 2013/14 campaign.

Everton can be backed at 1.73 to make a winning start to the new season at home to newly-promoted Watford.