Rafa Benitez remains confident that Everton can complete early business in the January transfer window.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a swoop for Dynamo Kyiv defender Vitaliy Mykolenko in particular over recent weeks, with many suggesting the move is close to being completed.
That raises further questions over the future of Lucas Digne at Goodison Park after he fell out-of-favour with the manager, before missing the draw with Chelsea due to illness.
The France international is back training with the side and will be available for the visit of Brighton to Merseyside on Sunday afternoon.
READ MORE: Everton confirm signing of Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv
READ MORE: Everton new stadium chief gives 'exciting' Bramley-Moore Dock update
Benitez didn't name any particular players, but confirmed that he still believes Everton will be conducting some early business after the opening of the transfer window.
The manager, who was speaking before the Blues confirmed the signing of Vitaliy Mykolenko, remarked: "I hope that we can say something in a few days, I'm quite confident that we will do it.
"I said to you maybe 10 or 15 days ago that I was 200% confident that we will do something at the beginning of January.
"Still I am convinced about that. My focus now is just to be sure we approach Brighton with the right mentality.
"I am concentrating on the games, I'm preparing the tactics and trying to be focused on that.
"At the same time, the board is working on new signings. We are close to players, yes. Do I need to worry about that? No.
"Someone else is doing the job and then we have had conversations. Everything is in place to move forward."
Benitez also reiterated that he is keen to bring in the right players who are determined to play for Everton over the course of the coming month.
*Take part in our Everton 'Keep or Sell' survey:
The manager knows that he and the board agree on this fact, and that players will be sought who can benefit the club in the future as well as the here-and-now.
"My idea, and I think we agree on that, is just to bring players who want to be here - that's the main thing," the Blues boss added.
"The second is players who can help the team and can bring something different. We're now looking for players who will come and give us something straight away.
"If you can bring players with experience of the Premier League and they can perform from day one, that is much better.
"We will try to do things quickly, and do things best for this moment and for the future."
