David Moyes, the Everton manager, has brought the list of players released by the club to a dozen.

The Scot had already decided not extend Thomas Gravesen's loan spell and to give Stefan Wessels a free transfer. But he has now allowed another batch of players to leave Goodison Park. Anthony Gardner, who has not played a first-team match since his January loan from Tottenham Hotspur, will return to the north London club.

Also departing is Icelandic youngster Bjarni Vidarsson, who has spent the past five months on loan to FC Twente in Holland. He made one first-team appearance this season in the Uefa Cup tie against AZ Alkmaar. Also released is defender Patrick Boyle, who has been on loan at Crewe Alexandra.

A group of youngsters have also not been offered new terms. They are Shaun Densmore, Steven Morrison, James Hall, Ryan Harpur, Aidan Downes, Stephen Connor and James Jones. Reserve player of the year John Irving has been offered a new deal, along with Irish defender Darren Dennehy.

Meanwhile, Leighton Baines has become the latest Everton player to undergo surgery to overcome a persistent injury. The defender has struggled all season with groin, hamstring and ankle problems. Now he has had an ankle operation and is expected to have fully recovered in time for pre-season training in July. Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta are also recovering from surgery, while Joleon Lescott will have a serious of injections over the summer to correct a knee problem.