Moyes keen to keep Carsley

Everton boss David Moyes is hoping to keep veteran midfielder Lee Carsley at the club.

The 34-year former Republic of Ireland international is out of contract at Goodison Park in the summer and has been linked with a free transfer switch to Championship-bound Derby County.

But Moyes has reassured the former Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City midfielder that he will be offered fresh terms at the end of the campaign.

Carsley, who began his career with Derby, has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season.

"Lee has been very reliable for us and we don't want to lose that. I want to keep that strong backbone at the club," said Moyes.

"Lee has done a very good job again for us this season. The role he does is so important.

"But we are not talking about his contract until the end of the season."

Carsley joined the Toffees from Coventry in 2002 and has made nearly 200 appearances for the Merseyside club.