Everton's players will be the fittest they have ever been as the new Premier League season begins.

The Toffees are determined not to have a repeat of the relegation battles of the last two years.

Manager Sean Dyche has been working the players harder than many of them have ever experienced, according to veteran defender Michael Keane.

"It has been about fitness, sharpness, and being mentally and physically prepared for the season ahead," Keane revealed to the Liverpool Echo.

"Since I have been at the club, we haven't been as fit as what we are going to be in the next few weeks after we finish this pre-season. Hopefully that stands us in good stead."

Keane added: "I've enjoyed being back and working hard. I think the manager made it clear at the end of last year that we would be working really hard in pre-season, and that has been the case.

"Everybody has relished it, and everyone has come back fit, and you can tell we are getting sharper every day and stronger every day."