Need for more signings is clear as Toffees wilt in the heat against familiar foes

ONLY nine or 10? Anyone who thought David Moyes might be getting carried away when he proclaimed Everton's recruitment might have to be on the cusp of double digits this summer will have been given a sobering reality.

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

The Blues boss made his bold statement on the eve of his side's Premier League Summer Series opener against Bournemouth in New Jersey.

At 62, and having managed more games in the Premier League than anyone other than Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, Moyes knows the task ahead will be tough and by his own admission in most summers such a high turnover of playing personnel would be far from ideal.

For Everton, this is a moment in the club's history like no other and as they look to raise the bar at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a distinct increase of quality and quantity is required.

Moyes, who steered the Blues to nine top-eight finishes during his first spell in charge, knows better than anyone how much of each is required.

Bournemouth have triumphed in eight of the clubs' last 10 competitive meetings, including three times last term.

In many ways, the Blues' travails at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday showed how, in some respects, very little has changed for this squad in over two years now since their 'Great Escape part three' under Sean Dyche.