Everton blow! Ronald Koeman claims Toffees are at only 70% fitness for Premier League opener v Tottenham

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has declared his players are only at 70 per cent in terms of their fitness ahead of their season-opening clash with Tottenham on Saturday.

Speaking on Thursday at his press conference to preview this weekend's Premier League contest at Goodison Park, Koeman said: "Of course, it's always nice to start the season, but we are not at the level we need to be. Not in terms of players' physical states.

"Because I think we are, in terms of physical state, 70 per cent of what we need to be.

"We are working hard and we will improve. We need to improve."

Regarding his potential selection for the game, Koeman revealed Ashley Williams - signed on Wednesday from Swansea for a reported £12million following fellow centre-back John Stones' £47.5million move to Manchester City - will not be available.

Koeman said of Wales skipper Williams: "He started late because of Euro 2016 and all the business between Swansea and Everton. I hope he can be ready after 10 days of training for next weekend."

Toffees captain Phil Jagielka is set to start in the heart of defence having recovered from a hamstring problem.

And Koeman has made it clear Jagielka - linked with a reunion with ex-Everton boss David Moyes at Sunderland - will not be leaving Merseyside.

"He is the captain of the team, and if you count our centre-backs then, of course, there is no way he will leave the club," Koeman said.

However, there is one player clearly not in the Dutchman’s plans.

January signing Oumar Niasse has no future at Goodison Park according to Koeman, who confirmed he can leave the club this summer, saying: "He can make his transfer because he is not in my opinion the future, what we need in his position."