Last Updated: Fri, 09 May 2008 10:27
David Moyes wants Everton to match his ambitions and back him with transfer funds before he commits to extending his contract.
The Goodison Park boss has held discussions with chairman Bill Kenwright about which players he wants to sign this summer in order to improve his squad.
And the underlying threat throughout the talks has been that the Scot would not renew if he is not given serious backing in his quest for quality signings.
"I've told the chairman who I'd like to buy and, hopefully, I'll find out pretty soon whether I can pursue them," said Moyes.
"I'd like A, B and C, but it's a question of who we can afford, and also who we can hope to turn into better players.
"That's our basic philosophy, and it would apply even if we were given vast sums of cash, but, in the same breath, I would like to put the emperor's clothes on now and again.
"I have a really good relationship with Bill, but nobody pushes him more than me to kick on. We have to keep improving the squad."
Heerenveen's Michael Bradley, Spurs' Tom Huddlestone and Chelsea's Steve Sidwell are reportedly on the manager's hit-list but he could also be looking to smash the club's transfer record again with a swoop for a striker.