Ronald Koeman wants 'two seasons' to shape squad

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has said that he will need two seasons to get his squad to where it needs to be.

The Dutchman replaced Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park this summer and has thus far brought in four new faces, including Idrissa Gueye, Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie, while John Stones left for Manchester City in a £47.5m move.

Koeman has insisted that his squad is "strong" but expects to be busy in the final days of the transfer window, with a "box-to-box midfielder" top of his shopping list.

"What we need to do at Everton is the big project," he told the Liverpool Echo. "Finally I need two seasons really to get what I think can be the best team for Everton. After this window I like to change things but it's not possible.

"Maybe next year, then finally everyone can be happy but the team is strong. Even if we don't sign any more players, the team now is strong. But we have in several positions, weaknesses. We have a lot of left full-backs, a lot of wingers. We don't have really a box-to-box midfield player, maybe McCarthy, Cleverley.

"To really get that balance in your team you need more than one pre-season and more than one transfer window."

Everton, who are unbeaten in the league under Koeman so far this season, welcome Stoke City to Goodison this afternoon.