Everton have agreed a deal to sign Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old centre half has been impressive since moving to Everton from Marseille in the summer and has been instrumental in the club’s recent good run which has seen the Toffeemen move up to third in the Premier League.

Everton, who paid a £1 million fee to take Yobo on loan for a season, have been eager to secure a permanent deal for a player whose performances have been attractingattention from several other clubs.

“The two clubs have agreed a deal with Marseille over Joseph Yobo,” Moyes told the club’s official website.

“We have been working hard to try and finalise the deal and the board at Everton have been fantastic in putting the finances in place.

“There are still one or two matters to be sorted out with Joseph and his advisors but we hope to conclude the deal in the next couple of days.”

Evverton are expected to pay £3.5 million to complete a permanent deal, in addition to the £1 million they paid in the summer.

Marseille chairmanChristophe Bouchet was pleased with the deal.

“This is an excellent financial operation for l’OM,” Bouchet told the club’s official website.