SINGAPORE — Their arch-rivals from across Stanley Park may have been the busier of the two on Merseyside, but Everton captain Phil Jagielka is unperturbed about Liverpool’s flurry of activity in the transfer market.

Ahead of the 2015-16 English Premier League season, Liverpool have spent close to £35 million this summer, including Brazilian forward Roberto Firminho from German side Hoffenheim for £21.3m.

Everton, on the other hand, have been relatively more conservative in the transfer window, acquiring former Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu for £4.2m and midfielder Tom Cleverley on a free transfer from Manchester United as their main signings as they aim to improve on a disappointing previous campaign in which they finished 11th and were eliminated from the last 16 of the Europa League.
But Jagielka, who will lead Everton out against Premier League rivals Arsenal in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy at the National Stadium on Saturday (July 18), believes they are in good shape ahead of the new season.

“It doesn’t worry us, but obviously, we keep an eye on everyone who is competing for the league title,” said the 32-year-old at a meet-and-greet session with fans at the InterContinental Hotel on Thursday (July 16).

“We are happy with the squad and we will see and their dealings don’t affect us one bit and we are looking forward to derby day which is always a special occasion.”

Everton will host Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby of the season on Oct 3, before travelling across town to Anfield for the return corresponding fixture on Feb 27 next year.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez will be under pressure to lift his side to the standards reached during the 2013-14 season, where they finished fifth and just missed out on a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

Lifting the Barclays Asia Trophy would be a welcome boost ahead of their opening Premier League fixture at home to Watford on Aug 8.

But the Toffees have not won the league since 1987 in the old First Division, while the club’s last major silverware was the 1995 FA Cup final.

Graham Stuart, who was part of the side that beat Manchester United to lift the FA Cup that year, said: “If we start winning trophies and start knocking the door of the top four, it will help you to attract big players.

“As much as we want develop the youth players, it is quite important to add top quality players as well.”