Portugal Colonial - Moyes starts to plan for Everton future with safety in sight

Moyes has enjoyed a remarkable run since returning for his second spell with Everton in January to replace the sacked Sean Dyche.

Dyche was axed with Everton mired in a relegation battle, but Moyes has quickly lifted the Toffees 14 points clear of the bottom three.

The former Manchester United boss is targeting nine more points to reach the 40-point mark he believes will guarantee the Liverpool club's place in English football's top flight.

In the meantime, Moyes, who previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, is thinking about long-term plans.

The 61-year-old Scot challenged the players who are out of contract at the end of this season to prove they deserve to be at the club when they open their new stadium next term.

"We used to always talk about 40 points as managers and I think because I'm an old one I think I'm going to keep talking about 40 points," Moyes said before Wednesday's trip to Brentford.

"For us, whether are in the bottom three or out of it, we've got to try to make sure that we're getting to 40 points or more if we possibly can.

"I want to be positive and I want to say that we're going to be in the Premier League. That's the way I feel and that's what I'm saying to the players.

"We still have work to do to do that but I do think that we have to start making some initial plans and getting things in place for hopefully another year in the Premier League."

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure are among eight players out of contract in the close-season, with a further four on loan who are looking for permanent deals at the end of the campaign.

Moyes, who has helped the Toffees take 14 points from the last 18, believes the incentive to remain in his plans will help maintain Everton's revival.

"I actually think the players here have got something to show," he said. "They all have to show to show to this new manager how they can perform.

"They've done great for me in the opening games. I'd hate to think that for them the season is only the 26 games we've played at the moment.

"All the players will want their futures sorted out but I think this club's just got its future sorted out."

X.Brito--PC