Veteran Irish international midfielder Lee Carsley has ended his successful six-year spell with Everton on Monday to be closer to his family.

The 34-year-old will search for a club in the East Midlands in order to move closer to his family and has already been contacted by relegated Premiership duo Birmingham City and Derby County while newly-promoted Premiership outfit West Brom have also been in touch.

Everton manager David Moyes paid a handsome tribute to Carsley, who signed for £1.9million in 2002 from Coventry City.

"Lee feels he now needs to be closer to his family and everyone at the club fully appreciates that," said Moyes. "I'd like to thank Lee Carsley for his years at Everton. He has undoubtedly been a big part in our success in the last few seasons," added Moyes.

Carsley was an integral part in Everton's qualifying for the UEFA Cup next season, missing just five of their 54 matches as they finished fifth in the Premiership.