JOSEPH YOBO could be set for an Everton exit in the summer after falling out of favour with manager David Moyes.

Yobo has been a mainstay of the Goodison defence since arriving at the club in July 2002 from Marseille.

But the 29-year-old has dropped down the centre-back pecking order in recent weeks, and was an unused substitute in the last two games against Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City.

Yobo’s regular starting role has come under increasing pressure given Sylvain Distin’s impressive debut season, the return to fitness of Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga’s versatility.

The Nigeria international agreed a new contract last year as Everton sought to stave off reported interest from Arsenal.

However, it appears he could become a high-profile departure as Moyes looks to shake up his squad this summer, with the World Cup finals a likely shop window to impress potential suitors.

One Everton player definitely leaving, if only temporary, is James Vaughan.

The 21-year-old has joined Coca-Cola Championship side Leicester City on an initial one-month loan deal.

Having recovered from a litany of injury problems, Vaughan has made 10 appearances for Everton this season and scored against both Burnley and Carlisle United.

The striker had a loan spell at Derby County cut short by injury earlier this season, and although the Rams were keen to have Vaughan back the player has instead moved to their East Midlands rivals.

Leicester stand in fifth place in the Championship play-off berths, with Vaughan ready to go straight into Nigel Pearson’s squad for the game against fellow promotion chasers Cardiff City tomorrow.