Kevin Nolan backs David Moyes to lead Everton into Europe despite transfer blow

Kevin Nolan believes David Moyes will have been unhappy with Everton’s chaotic end to the summer transfer window but has backed his former boss to overcome those setbacks and challenge for European football.

Nolan worked under Moyes as part of his coaching staff at West Ham and believes Everton can still finish in the European places despite losing several important players late in the window.

Everton’s squad underwent major changes on deadline day, most notably with Iliman Ndiaye completing a £65million move to Manchester City.

Beto, Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson also departed, while Everton’s attempt to sign Folarin Balogun from Monaco collapsed.

Jack Grealish returned on a season-long loan and Ainsley Maitland-Niles arrived for £4m, but Moyes has been left with only 18 senior outfield players and Thierno Barry as his only recognised senior striker.

“I think £100m went out and only £4m came in at Everton,” Nolan said. “Having worked closely with David Moyes, I know he wouldn’t have been too happy about that.”

However, Nolan expects Moyes to focus on extracting everything possible from his remaining squad.

“He’ll get on with it, he’ll keep the belief that the squad he’s got can still get to where he wants.”

Nolan predicted before the season that Everton would finish inside the top eight and has refused to change that assessment despite their transfer problems.

“My prediction at the beginning of the season for Everton, before the transfer window ended, was that they’d reach the top eight,” he explained.

“That hasn't changed because I know what David Moyes and his staff can produce, having been a part of it myself.”

Nolan even believes European qualification remains achievable, although keeping key players fit will be crucial given the lack of squad depth.

Everton have provided early encouragement by going five matches unbeaten across all competitions, including their recent 0-0 draw away at Tottenham.

Everton host Wolves in the Carabao Cup before facing Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Continuing their unbeaten run would strengthen Nolan’s belief that Moyes can overcome a thin squad and keep Everton in contention for European qualification.