Everton set for 'busy week' of transfers

Everton assistant manager Erwin Koeman has predicted a 'busy week' ahead for the club in the transfer market.

The Toffees have not signed a single outfield player since Erwin's older brother Ronald was installed as manager last month, with goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg the only new arrival at Goodison Park.

Erwin expects the side to step up their efforts in the coming days, however, telling the Liverpool Echo: "Ronald and the chairman are very busy with that.

"We can talk about a lot of things but in two weeks the league starts and we have to be ready.

"There is no excuse for that. It's for us but all the other teams too. Not one team in the Premier League is ready for the moment. In two weeks the circus will start."

Everton are reportedly close to the capture of Swansea City defender Ashley Williams and have also been credited with interest in Manchester United's wantaway winger Adnan Januzaj and Aston Villa midfielder Idrissa Gueye, while in the opposite direction rumours persist over John Stones's proposed move to Manchester City.