David Moyes has claimed Everton's new owners are 'still finding' their way at the club, and revealed he has not spoken to them since Tuesday's frantic transfer deadline day.
The Toffees bid farewell to Iliman Ndiaye and Beto late in the window, leaving Moyes with just one natural centre forward in Thierno Barry. Tim Iroegbunam and Nathan Patterson also left, and any positivity from the arrivals of Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles was soured with the collapsed deal for Folarin Balogun.
Moyes now has just 18 senior outfield players, resulting in fury among the fanbase, directed towards the club's owners, The Friedkin Group. The Everton Fans' Forum has since issued a lengthy statement criticising the club, while influential fan group The 1878s is standing down its in-ground flag displays.
Reports this week have suggested the Friedkin Group, which also owns Italian side Roma, could be looking for outside investment.
Asked about that matter, Moyes replied: 'I've had no conversations with them, and certainly not on any investment. That's beyond my jurisdiction.
'I think if you want to have success, you need to be aligned on the same things. All those parts are so important. I think we have new owners who are finding their way in at the club. I think as we get to know each other a bit better, it will get better.'
Moyes also added Everton needed to sell late in the market, hence the decision to allow Ndiaye to join City.
The former Manchester United manager also said there was no truth to reports claiming Chelsea made a late approach for midfielder James Garner, while he admitted Everton may look to the free-agent market to help cover any deficiencies in the squad.
'(I'm) disappointed we didn't do more business. Disappointed things didn't go our way in the end.'