Matt Woosnam has revealed Everton are targeting squad players rather than first-team regulars to ensure they do not break Financial Fair Play guidelines.

Andros Townsend became Rafa Benitez's first signing since taking over as the Toffees' boss as the winger joined following the expiry of his Crystal Palace contract earlier this week.

The former Newcastle United man's arrival was quickly followed by Asmir Begovic making the switch from Championship side Bournemouth, with the goalkeeper providing competition for England international Jordan Pickford by penning an initial one-year deal.

Ex-Leicester City winger Demarai Gray has also sealed his return to England, following a six-month spell with Bayer Leverkusen, by completing a £1.7million transfer to Goodison Park.

The Toffees have freed up some funds by not offering Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie contract renewals.

Woosnam, of The Athletic, believes Everton are having to be shrewd in the transfer market to make sure they do not break regulations.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: "When you look at the signings they're making, they're very much squad players because they're probably quite close to the brink of Financial Fair Play and the wage cap.

"Because of that, they're looking at players who can still contribute at that level but you wouldn't necessarily want to play them every week and they probably haven't got the legs or ability to play every week in the Premier League anymore."