DAVID MOYES will step up his efforts to strengthen his Everton squad this week, having been told he will have money to spend following the sale of Jack Rodwell to Manchester City.

The Blues boss has already identified a number of targets, and hopes to have at least one new face on board in time for his side's opening Premier League fixture with Manchester United at Goodison Park next Monday.

Everton received an up-front payment of £12m for the England midfielder, with a series of extra payments to come if Rodwell, and City, meet a number of targets over the next few years.

Moyes knows he will not have all of the Rodwell fee available to him, but the ECHO understands a sizeable chunk of the money will be spent on strengthening his squad – and that Moyes is particularly keen to add a striker and a midfielder to his ranks.

Everton have already signed former Rangers man Steven Naismith this summer and paid £4.5m to turn Steven Pienaar's loan from Spurs into a permanent deal.

But Tim Cahill's departure to New York, coupled with the exit of loanees Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe, means Moyes' attacking options are limited.

The Scot is eager to provide support for Nikica Jelavic.

Blackpool winger Matt Phillips is one name on the club's radar. The 21-year-old was scouted personally by Moyes last season and would add pace and penetration down the right-hand side.

Tangerines boss Ian Holloway, however, would be loath to lose the Scotland international, having threatened to report an unnamed Premier League club – not Everton – for making an illegal approach for the player last week.

Everton have also distanced themselves from reports linking them with a move for Michael Owen, telling the ECHO they have had no contact with the former England international.

Owen, once of Liverpool, is available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Manchester United in June, but a potential move to Goodison would be a non-starter, with Everton keen to pursue other targets.

Phil Neville, meanwhile, insists the Toffees have enough midfield strength to cope with the departure of Rodwell.

The skipper said: "I think we have got a number of players that can play in midfield, but Jack provided great competition.

"He produced some unbelievable performances in the big occasions for us. The disappointing thing was that he never quite sustained it when he was about to break through.

"We are quite strong in central midfield so I'm sure we can cope with that.

"It's important to always freshen up with new faces. We have Ross Barkley and Francisco Junior breaking through now."