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Everton must sign a striker in order to compete with the top six this season, Ronald Koeman has stressed.

The Blues boss is scouring the market for a new targetman following the £90m sale of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.

Koeman is understood to have identified Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud as his first-choice but Everton face a fight to land the 30-year-old.

Everton have spent nearly £100m on signings this summer but are still looking to land Gylfi Sigurdsson, a left-sided defender and a centre-forward.

Koeman acknowledges that expectations have shot up but says he must remain “realistic” about the challenge of breaking into the top six.

And the Everton boss says if they are to have any chance then they must land their remaining targets - including a striker.

“When I came here of course it was a different situation,” Koeman said.

“I know the expectations are higher than last season, but I always look to be realistic.

“We can improve and spend money but everyone can improve and is spending money.

“Okay, I believe if we get the picture of the last players we are stronger than last season but being stronger than last season does not mean you will win against the big six because they also will be more strong than last season.

“It is difficult because if we had Bolasie and Coleman available and we have Funes available, the situation is different to now.

“But still now we really have one striker, in my opinion.

“Sandro is a striker and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a striker of 21.

(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

“He needs to improve. He has a lot of talent.

“But compare that to the big teams and what they have on the bench or even in the stands and it is a big difference to Everton.”

The Blues open their league season by welcoming Stoke City to Goodison and Koeman added: “If you look to the team this Saturday and the bench you can not compare it to the big six.

“That is difficult.

“If we get in all the players we wants and have Bolasie and Coleman back then it is a totally different picture. Then I believe we can fight against them.”