Everton chief Robert Elstone has assured fans they will seek to lift the quality of the squad this summer.

Everton fans fear losing stars Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley at the end of the season as they continue to baulk at committing to new terms.

However, even if they are forced to sell, Elstone insists Everton will be active this summer.

Elstone told the Liverpool Echo, “It's really important big summer for us and the club will continue to make big investments, the squad will continue to grow and improve and it will be a very busy and exciting summer for Everton fans.

“Looking back at the last summer transfer window, the transfer window changed enormously.

“Transfer fees went through the roof and wages went through the roof and I think more of the same will happen.

“What we've got to do is operate in that window as we always have done, looking out for best value and being as good as we can in terms of negotiating and getting the best bang for our buck in that sense.

“I'm pretty sure Everton will be busy in the transfer window."