AYEGBENI YAKUBU returned to action with a bang last night – as Everton’s latest signing aimed his sights on helping end the club’s trophy drought.

The Nigerian striker marked his first game since last November with a goal after just 30 seconds, as the reserves swept Burnley’s second string aside 3-0 at the Stobart Stadium.

But as Yakubu was contemplating re-launching his career on Merseyside, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was getting used to the fact he has just become the third most expensive signing in the club’s history.

The Russian international completed his near £9m move from Lokomotiv Moscow on Monday evening but will not be able to play for Everton until work permit and visa issues are resolved.

No problems are anticipated and it could be that Bilyaletdinov – a 24-year-old, left-sided midfielder – makes his debut in the Premier League game at Fulham on September 13, where he could be joined by Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

He will be away on international duty until then – one of the games he is scheduled to play is against Wales at the Millennium Stadium – but cannot wait to embark on this new challenge.