Bridging the spending gap

Moyes says rivals have splashed out more on one player than Blues have on their whole squad

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

DAVID MOYES says the fact Liverpool have spent more on one player than Everton have on their whole squad emphasises the size of his task going to Anfield.

But he insists the Reds have earned the right to splash the cash after being crowned Premier League champions.

Although the Blues embarked on their own biggest ever net spend in the transfer market this summer as they were finally able to break free of the PSR shackles that have dogged them in recent years, it was dwarfed by their neighbours’ outlay.

Arne Slot's side shelled out £446million - the most ever spent by an English club in a single window - after breaking the British transfer record for the £125m Alexander Isak.

Ahead of Everton's game with Liverpool for the 247th Merseyside Derby, Moyes was asked whether such sprees made him jealous but he said: “You have to earn the right.

“You have to win and be in the big competitions which make the money.