Cahill: We can pip City for Champs League spot

Tim Cahill has told Manchester City Everton might not be splashing the cash – but they will still be taking them on for a Champions League spot.

The Toffees finished eighth last season, two points behind Liverpool for the last Europa League spot. But the Australia international feels they will give the big spenders a run for their money this time round.

City boss Roberto Mancini has spent more than £80million on players like Spain World Cup winner David Silva and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure - and is still trying to clinch a deal for James Milner. Cahill admits the Merseysiders cannot compete in the transfer market but insists boss David Moyes has built an excellent squad full of homegrown kids and shrewd buys.

“I’m very, very confident about this season,” he said. “Everyone can see our potential. It’s important to keep our form going from last season.

“The only reason why people are talking about Manchester City - and Tottenham - is because they are the ones spending the money. We’re not spending anything and it’s the same thing every year.

“If we were spending that sort of money people would talk about us but we’re breeding some great talent here and the manager has picked up some very shrewd buys.”

The 30-year-old added: “I am really optimistic about our chances of doing well and finishing higher in the league.”