Andrew Johnson to seal record Fulham deal

While Johnson only agreed a new long-term Everton contract in November, it has become increasingly apparent in the last few weeks that a parting of the ways was inevitable.

Matters came to a head at Preston North End last week when the striker opted not to play in the friendly, a decision that infuriated Moyes.

Johnson subsequently missed last Friday's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest and did not travel with the squad to Chicago for their US tour.

The forward joined Everton from Crystal Palace for a then club record £8.6m in May 2006 and scored 22 goals in 74 appearances.

With Johnson's exit imminent, Moyes will step up his efforts to bolster his forward line, with Real Zaragoza's Diego Milito and Darren Bent of Tottenham his main targets.

Everton could also use the funds from Johnson's sale to help facili-tate their bid to sign Joao Moutinho.

The Goodison outfit have already had an £11.8m offer rejected for the player, who has made clear his desire to leave Sporting Lisbon.

Sporting, though, are planning their season with their skipper, and coach Paulo Bento said: "I have not heard him say it (that he wants to go), but I read the stories. It does not worry me. I have already said that he is our player. I count on him."

Meanwhile, Everton have distanced themselves from reports in Turkey that they are close to a £6m deal for Galatasaray midfielder Mehmet Topal.

However, the Turkey international remains high on Moyes's wanted list as he seeks a replacement for the departed Lee Carsley.

Moyes and his players are in Chicago on the first leg of their tour of the United States. And having been joined by Tim Cahill on Sunday, the squad was augmented by the arrival of Joseph Yobo yesterday to take their number to 18.

Cahill is continuing his rehabilitation from surgery on a metatarsal in May and is unlikely to figure for the start of the season. But, such is the Australian's rate of progress, assistant manager Steve Round believes he now has an outside chance of making the opening encounter against Blackburn Rovers on August 16.

"He's running now and everything seems to be going on the right track, touch wood, so we're looking to have him fit ready for the season," said Round.

Yobo had been absent from pre-season following the kidnap and subsequent release of his brother Norum in his native Nigeria. And the defender's return has been welcomed by compatriot Yakubu.

"It's good news about Norum," he said. "It's good news for the family. It was very difficult over in Nigeria. He lost his brother for around 12 days and it's a good feelings for him to have him back. Thank you for the support of the club and everybody. It will be good to have him back."

Both Leon Osman and James Vaughan have resumed full training and may play a part in tomorrow's friendly against local Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire at Toyota Park.