Portsmouth boss Paul Hart believes Everton manager David Moyes is proof that money is not necessary to fashion a team that threatens the top four. Hart believes it is possible to climb the league without flashing the cash, as Everton proved when finishing fifth last season.

He said: "If you look at Everton over the past few years, it has taken them a while.

"But on a limited budget they've brought in a group of players that are hard-working and organised - and they have threatened.

"If you spoke to any manager outside the top four, they would say that given the sort of money City have, they may be able to challenge. But David Moyes has done it without."