EVERTON are expected to stand firm in the face of anticipated summer bids for Joseph Yobo from Arsenal and Marseille.
The Nigerian international centre-back, who is out of contract at the end of next season, has made only one appearance for David Moyes's side since returning from the African Cup of Nations last month.
Yobo missed Everton's last two games with a groin strain, and while he should be fit for tomorrow's home clash with Aston Villa, in his absence David Weir and Alan Stubbs have quickly rediscovered their successful partnership in the heart of the defence.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is understood to be interested in capturing Yobo as a possible long-term replacement for Sol Campbell.
Marseille, from whom Everton signed the 25-year-old on an initial year-long loan before clinching a permanent deal in 2003, are similarly keen on signing the player.
But with both Weir and Stubbs in the veteran stage of their careers and Matteo Ferrari at present returning to Roma once his loan spell expires at the end of the season, Moyes has no intention of allowing Yobo to depart.
However, with Yobo's present deal due to expire in less than 16 months, Everton could be left facing a testing decision should anyone approach them for the player's services this summer.
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