Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo is close to signing a new five-year deal at Everton which will see him join the club's top earners at GBP50 000 per week.

The deal also includes a testimonial before the contract runs out in 2014.

Yobo, 28, was David Moyes' first signing as Everton manager back in July 2002.

His current deal, signed in 2006, was due to expire in 2010 but Moyes stated last month that the club were keen to keep the big Nigerian.

"Joe's been part of what we've been doing here so we'd like to keep him," Moyes said.

Yobo's manager John Shittu told KickOffNigeria.com that it was important from the player's perspective to ensure that he was settled.

"Joe loves Everton and he is happy at the club so the negotiations have been straightforward.

"This is possibly his last major contract and it is important for us to see that he is well taken care.

"Fortunately, the club are also happy with him and really want to keep him so there is agreement both ways."