Everton manager Rafa Benitez has revealed he will have funds to spend in January having spoken to Farhad Moshiri.
Since the Blues owner arrived at Goodison Park in February 2016, more than £500m has been spent on transfer fees as the club look to bridge the gap to those above them in the table.
However, after spending didn’t equate to success on the pitch, Everton were restricted by Financial Fair Play this summer.
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Benitez, who was appointed as manager at the end of June, had to be frugal and brought in five players for just £1.5million - the cost of Demarai Gray’s release clause. Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic, Salomon Rondon and Andy Lonergan arrived on free transfers.
Now though, after James Rodriguez, who was said to earn £200,000-a-week at Goodison Park, left for Al-Rayyan in Qatar on Wednesday and followed another big earner, Bernard, out the exit door.
With the two South Americans departing, it seems the Blues will not be as restricted come the next transfer window.
Asked if there will be funds in January, Benitez, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Norwich on Saturday, revealed: "Yeah, I think so.
“I had that conversation yesterday with Mr Moshiri. It's just to be sure we do things the right way, they are very keen to spend the money and improve the team."
Benitez is aware the supporters are keen to see the squad bolstered and said: "The idea and the plan was very clear before, and we couldn't do it for different reasons.
“I can read the newspapers, I can watch the TV but especially the local newspapers and know what fans want. Hopefully, we can be ready for the next transfer window."
Many felt Everton needed a new right-back this summer with Seamus Coleman turning 33 in October and Jonjoe Kenny surplus to requirements.
In the end, the Blues did not sign a new full-back.
Just days after the window shut though, first-choice Coleman picked up a hamstring injury on international duty for Ireland meaning centre-back Ben Godfrey filled in for last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
Serge Aurier, currently without a club after leaving Tottenham during the summer, has been reported as an option for the Toffees.
However, Benitez is keen to find a long-term solution and avoid any stop-gaps.
Asked about the Ivory Coast international, the Everton boss said: “I don't see a clear option with that.
“Now we need to find solutions, but we have to be sure the solutions are not just for the next couple of months."
