Everton FC return to training but Joseph Yobo is not expected to be back at Finch Farm again. FFinch

EVERTON FC’S players reported back for pre-season training yesterday – but Joseph Yobo is not expected to return to Finch Farm again.

Goodison officials have refuted suggestions, however, that the Nigerian defender is preparing to boycott EFC pre-season training in a bid to push through his move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.

A report claimed that Yobo was planning to stay away from David Moyes’ pre-season preparations and run the risk of a hefty fine, in order to force Everton to accept the offer on the table from the Turks.

But a Goodison spokesman has pointed out that Yobo was not due back on Merseyside until next week and the Blues expect a deal to be completed with Fenerbahce – probably in the region of 4m euros – before then.

Everton’s returning players underwent fitness tests at Liverpool University yesterday then fly out this evening for a four day training camp in Austria.

However players involved in end of season internationals like Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Johnny Heitinga and Seamus Coleman are not expected back for another week, while Tim Howard, whose involvement in the Gold Cup has only just ended, will not rejoin the squad until the US tour later this month.

Former Everton skipper Kevin Ratcliffe, meanwhile, believes the Blues can finally overcome the slow starts which have plagued their Premier League campaigns in recent seasons.

Everton’s Premier League season kicks off at Tottenham on August 13 and despite the tough opener, Ratcliffe believes the early fixtures give Everton the opportunity to hit the ground running.

After Spurs, Everton have home games against QPR, Aston Villa and Wigan and further trips to Blackburn and Manchester City in their first six games.

“I hope a positive start will put us in good stead to challenge for Europe,” Ratcliffe said.

“And I think there are worse runs of fixtures to put us on our way.

“When you look at Everton’s opening six fixtures, my immediate reaction is that there are some winnable games in there.

“I look at the meetings with QPR, Blackburn and Wigan, in particular, and expect us to get something and then take comfort from the fact that last season we did better against some of the tougher sides like Tottenham and Manchester City.”