Roberto Martinez has said that Champions League qualification is crucial for the future of the Everton squad.
The 42-year-old fears losing a number of key, young players if the Toffees fail to finish in the top four this season.
"There are two things that can keep a player happy. One is that he's got a stimulation to become better and he can see that he's growing every day and the other is to be in the best leagues and the best competitions," Martinez told reporters.
"So you have to get into the Champions' League, that's the top and bottom of it. That's why sometimes you have to set a season where everyone invests into the team and then see where that can take you, that's what we're doing now."
Everton currently sit in ninth in the Premier League table, ahead of their match against Aston Villa on Saturday
