Last Updated: Fri, 02 May 2008 10:11
David Moyes has heaped praise on Lee Carsley and says he hopes he signs a new 12-month deal to keep him out of the clutches of Derby.
The Everton boss has a policy of discussing new deals with out-of-contract players only after the season has ended so Carsley will have to wait for a couple more weeks to see what is on offer at the club. But he too has indicated he will take his time before deciding on what to do but Moyes is hoping to keep him.
In the meantime, Derby boss Paul Jewell has been making it clear he would like to sign the player if he could and take him back to the Rams.
Moyes is keen for that not to happen, and he told the Post: "Cars has done a very good job again for us this season.
"The role he does is so important and he had a big job in trying to stifle John Carew on Sunday.
"He is a great professional and certain games suit him better than others. We aren't talking about his contract until the end of the season.
"But he has been very reliable for us and we don't want to lose that. I want to keep that strong backbone at the club."