Roberto Martinez has admitted that Everton will need to add at least six players in the summer to manage the demands of playing in Europe next year.
The Toffees have fallen four points behind Arsenal in the race for the top four, but are still guaranteed at least a top-six finish and Europa League football.
Martinez faces losing the loan stars that have helped him enjoy such a productive first campaign in charge at Goodison Park, with Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry all scheduled to return to their parent clubs in June.
That would leave Everton's squad looking slightly light for a campaign in which they will be fighting on four fronts, and Martinez has revealed that their policy when the transfer window reopens will focus as much on quantity as quality as he looks to supplement a nucleus of "incredible" senior players.
"It's not about improving - it's about increasing," Martinez told reporters. "When you're playing in Europe you need to have another six or seven and that's the reality and we will do that - it's not an issue.
"Every summer is busy. We signed 10 players in the previous two windows and that's what you expect from window to window. I never worry about losing players. It's the opposite - I get excited about bringing new players in. You need fresh blood.
"We've got incredible senior players at this club. You've got Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, James McCarthy - those players hold the dressing room together. (But) we need fresh talent. Fresh additions help the team."
Only 22 different players have started for Everton in the top flight this term.
Joe Fish
