The club are waiting to learn whether plans for a new stadium in Kirkby will be called in for enquiry by the Government.

It has been claimed that the size of David Moyes' transfer funds will be determined by whether this proves to be the case, with Everton yet to make any signings to date.

However, the club have now moved to allay any such fears after confirming the two issues are independent of one another.

"This is completely untrue," Ian Ross, head of public relations, told the club's official website.

"These are absolutely separate issues. They always have been and always will be.

"The Government's decision won't have any impact on the manager's transfer budget."