Everton have refused to improve their contract offer to striker James McFadden which is already believed to almost double his wages.

The club have released Duncan Ferguson, Li Tie, Matteo Ferrari and six young reserves this week, and have been involved in negotiations with McFadden over a new deal. The Scottish international's current contract has just a year to run, but it is believed talks have broken down and McFadden is now on his way to Japan to a two-match tour with his national team.

Everton have officially said that "the situation will be discussed in the summer".