Everton have signed Yobo until 2007

Joseph Yobo has revealed he is renegotiating a permanent four-year contract with Everton.

The Nigerian World Cup defender moved to Goodison Park on loan from Marseille last summer and has since impressed manager David Moyes.

His permanent transfer has been the subject of some confusion.

The club claimed in December that Yobo had already signed a deal while the player denied he had agreed personal terms.

But Yobo now says he is ready to put pen to paper on a four-year contract.

"We are renegotiating a new contract. I hope this contract is in place before the close of the transfer window this month or by the end of the season," Yobo said.

The delay in finalising the deal came about as Yobo changed his agent.

Marseille and Everton have already agreed a fee for the 22-year-old.