Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni is facing a fine and possibly being transfer-listed after going AWOL.

The Daily Mail says Everton's £11million record signing was due back from the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday but had still to make any contact with Goodison officials last night, despite his Nigeria team-mate Joseph Yobo returning on time.

Furious Everton manager David Moyes will fine his summer signing from Middlesbrough the maximum amount of two weeks' wages and may consider offloading him, rather than risk jeopardising a spirit that has lifted his side into the top four.

Even if Yakubu makes a belated appearance at Everton's new Finch Farm training ground today, it may not be enough to win him a place against Reading tomorrow.