Everton Transfer Rumors: 5 Players Who Could Leave the Toffees

Everton is in danger of losing some big-name players before its August 13 opener at Tottenham.

It's been a disappointing transfer window for Toffees fans. Everton has been linked to a myriad of strikers over the past few months, but nothing has materialized. The only addition that has been made is defender Eric Dier from Sporting Lisbon.

While all hope for adding an impact striker to an offense that desperately needs one is not lost, most rumors surrounding the Toffees right now include a player exiting Goodison Park.

Although Everton finished seventh in the Premiership table last season, several players on the team have grown tired with the lack of European play.

Here is a list of five players who could be wearing a new uniform before Everton clashes with Tottenham next month.

Joseph Yobo

Although the possible transfer of Joseph Yobo becomes seemingly more complicated on a daily basis, there is no doubt that he has no interest in returning to Everton. Over the past few weeks, it appeared his preferred move to Fenerbahce was done, but it has yet to be made official.

Everton has begun its preparations for the new season and Yobo plans to boycott all activities until his transfer is completed. This puts the Toffees in a tough situation because it is clear he has no interest in returning, but he is still an asset and manager David Moyes must get the best value he can for Yobo.

The 30-year-old defender made 259 appearances for Everton since 2002 and scored 10 goals. He fell out of favor last season, however, and has said he would rather return to Fenerbahce for the playing time. The rumored price offered by the Turkish side to complete the transfer is £2.8 million, but Everton are reportedly looking for closer to £5 million.

Likelihood of leaving Everton: 95 percent

Tim Cahill

The last thing Everton needs to lose is a player who can find the back of the net, but rumors have surfaced over the past 24 hours linking Tim Cahill to Arsenal. Cahill led the Toffees in Premier League goal scoring last season with nine.

An Australian national, Cahill has scored 65 goals in 240 games for Everton since joining the team in 2004. He has been one of the most consistent performers the Toffees have had in recent years, and although he is an attacking midfielder, he has shown the ability to get back on defense when necessary.

Arsenal usually doesn't target players who are at the back end of their prime, usually preferring to chase players in their mid-20s. After a slow transfer period though, they may be willing to shift their strategy a little bit (Cahill is 31) to bring in a player to help their squad right away.

Likelihood of leaving Everton: 60 percent

Leighton Baines

One of the better Premier League defenders when joining the attack, rumored interest in Leighton Baines has been hot and cold throughout the summer. It seems like the interest is entering another hot stage as teams feel the pressure of the season approaching.

The 26-year-old defender has spent the past four seasons at Goodison Park after spending the first five years of his career with Wigan Athletic. During his time with the Toffees, Baines has scored 10 goals in 160 games. Last season, he scored seven goals and added 12 assists in 46 games across all competitions.

There is no shortage of teams linked to Baines, including Manchester City, Liverpool and most recently, Arsenal. The good news for Everton fans would be that they are dealing from a position of strength. Although they don't have another defender with Baines' offensive prowess, the would be able to survive without him.

Likelihood of leaving Everton: 50 percent

Mikel Arteta

When he's on the pitch, Mikel Arteta is one of the most exciting players on the Everton roster. Keeping him healthy has been a major problem over the past couple seasons, however. There is no denying the talent he possesses though, so rumors continue to swirl around the 29-year-old midfielder.

During his seven-year career with Everton, Arteta has played in 191 games and scored 33 goals. His playmaking skills are what intrigues potential suitors, as he has totaled 37 assists while with the Toffees. Arteta definitely exhibits that Spanish flair the soccer world has become accustomed to in recent years.

Two Spanish sides, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla, have shown interest in Arteta in recent weeks. A move to Spain would help Arteta's chances of making the Spanish national team as all but three of the most recent squad played in La Liga.

Likelihood of leaving Everton: 45 percent

Jack Rodwell

The Everton brass have reportedly said that Jack Rodwell will not be leaving Goodison Park, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mills from continuing to include his name. It could be a case of manager David Moyes attempting to drive up Rodwell's price by playing hard to get.

Having spent most of his career as a defending midfielder, Rodwell has scored six goals in 92 games with Everton. He also has the ability to play on the defensive back line, but hasn't been used in that manner by Moyes. The big thing when it comes to Rodwell is potential. The 20-year-old would be bought based on what teams expect in the future, not what he has done in the past.

The most prominent teams that are rumored to have interest include Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham. That said, when you combine the recent comments from Moyes and the steep asking price, £20 million, it is more likely that Rodwell will remain with the Toffees.

Likelihood of leaving Everton: 25 percent