Midfielder Lee Carsley is set to sign a two-year contract with his home-town club Birmingham once his current deal with Everton officially expires at the end of the month.

The Republic of Ireland international rejected the offer of a one-year extension to his contract at Goodison Park as the 34-year-old wanted a move closer to his Midlands home.

He was considering offers from relegated Derby County, as well as newly-promoted West Brom, but opted for Birmingham to end his six-year association with Everton.

Toffees manager David Moyes told the club's official website: "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's 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."

After coming up through the youth ranks at Derby County, Carsley had successful spells at Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City before Walter Smith brought him to Everton for £1.9 million in 2002.

The strong defensive midfielder has played a key role in Everton's resurgence under David Moyes, and will leave the club having made a total of 198 appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Tony Mabert / Eurosport