TALK to any Everton FC fan, and it won’t be long before the lack of new signings this summer becomes the topic of conversation.

But Sylvain Distin believes EFC have won half the battle by keeping hold of their key players during the transfer window.

Supporters had feared a possible break-up of the Everton squad with leading talents Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Marouane Fellaini and Jack Rodwell all targeted by rival clubs.

With three weeks still remaining before the window slams shut, there will be more nervous nights with Jagielka in particular still being courted by Arsenal.

However, Distin is convinced Everton will deem it a success if they can maintain the squad status quo – and avoid another injury crisis.

“If you ask anyone if they should improve and get new players, whether it’s here, Spurs, Chelsea, Man United or wherever, they will all say the same,” says the Frenchman.

“The main thing though is keeping the big players and that’s what we have done, but the next step is obviously to bring others in.

“We can’t do too much about the lack of new faces, it’s not down to us. But we’re happy with what we have got. We’ve kept our best players, which is very positive, and we’ll just carry on working.

“We have enough quality in the squad and if we don’t get many injuries we should be okay. If we do, of course, things could be a bit different.”

A section of Everton fans have become increasingly disillusioned by a perceived lack of investment in the playing staff, prompting chief executive Robert Elstone to come out last month defending their approach.

Distin plays down the issue, and says: “I don’t think there’s any club that I’ve played at where the fans have been happy with what happens during the transfer window.

“They have to remember that we’ve kept our best players so far. We have to give the club time and maybe things will happen soon.”

Asked if it will have an impact on the team, he adds: “It affects us if the fans are not behind us. If you play a home game and feel like you are away because there is no atmosphere, or you can feel the tension or the disappointment from the fans.

“But I’m sure the fans love the club and the players enough to support us.”