Veteran midfielder Lee Carsley has left Everton and is expected to join a midlands club.

Carsley has had offers from Derby, West Brom and Birmingham, and the former Republic of Ireland international has opted to leave the Goodison Park club and move to a club nearer his home.

The 34-year-old is believed to have been offered only a one-year contract at Everton now his current deal has ended.

And he is likely to chose a move to relegated Blues, where he has been offered a two-year deal.

Birmingham-born Carsley's family have always remained in the midlands while he has played for Everton, but as his career winds down he has decided to move back home permanently.

Everton boss David Moyes said: "I would like to thank Lee for his years at Everton. He has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in the last few seasons.

"Lee feels he now needs to be closer to his family and everyone at the club fully appreciates that.

"We'd like to thank him, he has been a fantastic player on and off the field and he goes with my best wishes, and we wish him all the best in the future."

Carsley was one of the few remaining players left from the squad Moyes inherited from Walter Smith in 2002.

He was included in the starting line-up for Moyes' first game at the helm against Fulham in March 2002 and has amassed an impressive 198 appearances for the Toffees - 194 of which were under Moyes.