Born: 06/09/80

Birthplace: Kono, Nigeria

Previous Clubs: Standard Liege, Marseille

Transfer Date: 09/07/02

Transfer Fee: £1 million but could rise to £5 million

Born in Kono, Joseph Yobo caught the eye of David Moyes at the 2002 World Cup when he impressed against Michael Owen in the group game between England and Nigeria. He joined Everton for £1 million during that summer in a year-long loan deal, however, his contribution was so great that David Moyes made moves to secure his services permanently six months ahead of schedule.

The deal won't be formally ratified until the transfer window re-opens in January but he is expected to sign a five-year deal, taking in the rest of this season plus another four years. That will cost the club around £3.5 million plus the £1 million they already splashed for his temporary signature during the close season but after the way he burst onto the Barclaycard Premiership scene some are viewing it as one of the bargains of the season.

Primarily a defender, though he can also play in midfield, Yobo started his career at Standard Liege before a move to French First Division side Marseille in 2001 where he made 22 appearances. He also had a loan spell at Tenerife in La Liga. After the World Cup, several major European clubs were also chasing the African's signature including Serie A side Juventus, who had hoped to tie up a deal until Everton snapped him up.