Everton have 'big ambitions', insists Ronald Koeman as he attempts to extend £95m spending spree

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Everton are ready to do their talking on the pitch after a summer in which they have made the size of their ambitions clear.

Manager Ronald Koeman has been backed heavily in the transfer market and spent more than £95million to sign a host of players.

Business has included bringing back the club's former prodigy Wayne Rooney from Manchester United and landing highly-rated defensive talent in Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford, plus Holland attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that his team have 'big ambitions' this season

Koeman has made seven summer signings so far, including Wayne Rooney and Michael Keane

And the Toffees are not finished there, as negotiations continue with Swansea over £50m-rated playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Optimism and expectations are rising at Goodison Park, and although Koeman is not making bold promises about breaking into the Premier League's top six, the Dutchman is confident.

'First of all we have big ambitions,' said Koeman ahead of Saturday's season-opener at home to Stoke City. 'That is what we would like to show to everybody.

'Like everybody knows we are still working on some targets and that is difficult, but if we can do the business we want I think we are stronger than last season.

'But of course it is difficult with the big clubs. You need one or two struggling in this season and maybe you can make the next step. If all the big ones are really strong and doing what they need, it is very difficult.'

Koeman says he will only be able to make a true assessment of his team after they complete their transfer business.

Everton have spent £30m on Jordan Pickford in a £95m spree that Koeman wants to continue

He said: 'The end of the transfer window is more realistic to speak about targets and what is possible.

'We know we have spent money but everybody is spending money, everybody is looking for the best players.'

The downside for Everton has been the loss of top scorer Romelu Lukaku to United - albeit in a deal potentially worth £90m - while the future of midfielder Ross Barkley remains uncertain.

Lukaku scored 25 goals last term and the likes of Rooney and fellow new signing, Sandro Ramirez, will have a tough act to follow.

Swansea City playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson is top of Koeman's wish-list and could cost £50m

Koeman said: 'To replace Lukaku is really difficult. I don't say impossible but 25 goals is a lot and we need to find other ways. We need to find productivity from other players.

'We have brought some players in like Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez and we would like to bring some more in.'

Everton face a difficult start to the season, with the visit of Stoke followed by games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and United.

Koeman said: 'We know it is a tough start but it is all about, in 38 games, getting the points.

'In the Premier League if you think you have an easy start you will pay for that. And if you think it's a really tough start maybe it is different because everybody is not on his best at this stage of the season, the end of the pre-season.'

Koeman's Everton start the season against Stoke, before facing Manchester City and Chelsea