Everton boss David Moyes' stark warning: "We may not sign anyone"

That shortfall in numbers has forced Moyes to shift his priority to quantity rather than quality before the window slams shut on Monday week.

Although there is some money to spend, prohibitive asking prices mean the Goodison manager will have to utilise the loan market once more to add much-needed depth to his squad.

And having tracked the likes of Joao Moutinho, Diego Milito, Vagner Love and Tiago this summer, Moyes said: "I might end up having to change. I did say last week that I wouldn't have to lower the standards, but it looks like the quality players I want to bring in here might not be the ones that I'm chasing.

"We need to get numbers in. It's probably out of reach for us to bring in the six or seven we need now. And there's a possibility we might end up bringing nobody in.

"We couldn't get through to January with what we have right now. We have to make sure that the season isn't over before it has started, so we need to get on with things. There are no excuses, there won't be any from me or the players."

Valencia's Nikola Zigic, a 6ft 8ins Serbia international striker, is the latest to come under consideration. Talks have opened over a move, but while Valencia are keen to sell the forward, Everton would prefer an initial temporary stay.

Asked whether his squad was now reaching breaking point, Moyes said: "We only need one injury at this present time. I'm concerned that we could have periods in the season where we will be struggling to field a team.

"The worry is that if we don't improve, we might end up having to take a backward step this year.

"Maybe I now have to look to bring in five or six players which would cost me no money. I will be responsible for bringing in those five or six and the team will always be my responsibility. I need to get a team that wins and a team that gets results.

"But I won't compromise my ambition. I believe my style will hopefully continue to get results and wins, with whatever team I put out. I won't compromise what I expect from whichever players I bring in. It's up to them to respond to that."

Everton remain hopeful they can sign Stephane M'bia. But, with Rennes yesterday declaring they have no intention of selling the Cameroon international, M'bia has now challenged the French side to match the financial offer from Goodison.

"I never said I didn't want to stay at Rennes," said M'bia. "If they give me the wages I want there's no problem.

"Why not staying another year? Then, it's a question of money. My priority is Rennes reaching an agreement with Everton, who propose me a very big deal.

"But if Rennes give me what I want, I don't see why I would join another club."

Moyes has further injury concerns with Dan Gosling, who made an impact during pre-season, struggling with a thigh strain.

If both he and Neville are sidelined, Moyes would have no option but to hand a first Everton start to either 16-year-old midfielder Jose Baxter or 19-year-old striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

James Vaughan returned to training this week but is still not ready to make a first-team return.

"Vaughany joined in training with us for the first time since Chicago where he got a foot injury," said Moyes. "James needs an awful lot of football work. He has done a lot of running and is in a decent condition. But his football work is missing.

"He hasn't had a reserve game and only substitute appearance in first team game, so he's had nothing really. We need to give him as much football as we can in the next weeks or months to come. He isn't in the squad."

Meanwhile, Victor Anichebe will go for gold today when Nigeria take on Argentina in the Olympic final in Beijing.