Gareth Barry has called for patience from the Everton fans as the disquiet over the club’s lack of transfer business continues to grow.

The Toffees made a busy start to the summer by signing both Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu but despite being linked with a number of other players, they have still to add to their ranks.

Boss Roberto Martinez is known to be keen on bringing in a new central defender and attacking midfielder, while rumours still surround youngster John Stones who has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.

The situation has led to plenty of frustration on the terraces, with supporters angry that their club are currently the lowest spenders in the Premier League this summer despite struggling to 11th last term.

Barry has now called for calm from the fans and is confident that boss Roberto Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright will add to the ranks before the end of the transfer window.

“It is just about being patient,” the former England international said. “It is always hard to be patient being a fan. You want players joining your club to excite you and give you something different to look at.

“Every club does things differently and that means leaving business till late then that is the way Everton do it.

“I am sure the manager and chairman [Bill Kenwright] have something up their sleeves to excite fans.”

After opening their campaign with a 2-2 home draw against Premier League newcomers Watford, Everton travel to Southampton on Saturday.

The Toffees are currently priced at 4.20 to win at St Mary’s, with the draw at 3.30 and the Saints the 2.00 favourites to claim the points.