Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has urged fans to be patient amid growing disquiet over the club's lack of transfer business.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley and forward Gerard Deulofeu are the only acquisitions so far – and they were both signed in June.

Manager Roberto Martinez is keen to sign a number 10 and a center-back but supporters are growing increasingly discontented with the lack of activity to bolster a squad which finished 11th last season.

Chelsea's intent to continue their pursuit of England center-back John Stones after having two bids – the last £26million – turned down, has only added to the unrest among supporters.

SEE MORE: Read our Everton 2015/16 season preview.

Everton have spent the least of all Premier League clubs this summer but Barry has asked for fans to remain calm.

"It is just about being patient," he told Press Association Sport at Everton in the Community's golf day at Formby Hall.

"It is always hard to be patient being a fan. You want players joining your club to excite you and give you something different to look at.

"Every club does things differently and that means leaving business till late then that is the way Everton do it.

"Other clubs have strengthened really well and spent a lot of money so we are up against quality teams but it is about getting momentum and that comes from winning games.

"It is a great group of lads who really trust each other and we know what we are about and everyone does their jobs.

"If the manager can keep that core of players together and keep them fit we are capable of achieving good things.

"I am sure the manager and chairman (Bill Kenwright) have something up their sleeves to excite fans."

Everton's 2-2 home draw with newcomers Watford did not help to quell supporters' unhappiness but Barry believes it is unwise to read too much into one result.

"We have tinkered with our pre-season in the way we have done stuff and games we have had and generally the lads felt good," he added

"Overall I think we were disappointed with it (the Watford result) as we were at home and wanted to get three points but at the same time it was the opening weekend and you only have to look at the other results at the weekend to see how difficult it can be.

"It is just important we take things forward and hopefully results will do the talking, as they generally do."

Despite the focus being on football, Barry said it was important the players supported events put on by the club's official charity, which is one of the UK's top sporting charities and considered one of the Premier League's leading community schemes.

"When the players get chance to come down and help raise money we are grateful to do that because we are aware of what it can achieve," he said.