BBC SPORT | Football | Teams | Everton | Everton complete Yobo chase

David Moyes has made his first signing for Everton by clinching the �5m capture of Nigerian World Cup defender Joseph Yobo from Marseille.

And Moyes looks ready to swoop again, with Derby goalkeeper Mart Poom set to follow him to Goodison Park in the near future.

The deal for Yobo was finally completed on Tuesday when he put pen-to-paper and passed a medical on Merseyside.

Yobo has signed on a 12-month contract, with an option of a further four years with the club.

Everton eye Breen

The 21-year-old had been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Juventus.

But he will not be able to team up with Everton straight away as he has returned to France pending the outcome of his work permit application.

Yobo does not meet the Department of Employment's strict criteria, but Everton are hopeful they will take into account his age and the fact he played in all three of Nigeria's World Cup games in Japan.

Everton are optimistic he will be able to join up with the squad during their mini pre-season tour of Austria, which begins on Thursday.

Derby keeper Mart Poom
Poom looks headed for Goodison Park

Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: "Joseph Yobo has agreed to join us on a 12-month contract.

"We have made an application for a work permit. We expect to hear back in seven to 10 days and we are optimistic that we will be successful.

"Joseph is David Moyes' first signing since coming to the club.

"We see his signing as a major coup for the club because since the World Cup there had been interest in Joseph from all over Europe.

"This is the news all Everton fans had been waiting to hear."

Now that Moyes has landed Yobo he will step up his efforts to sign Poom.

Everton have so far failed with two bids to prise the Estonia international away from Pride Park.

Moyes is determined to get his man and it is thought an offer of around �4m would be enough to persuade Derby to let Poom go.


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