Everton to retain stars – Moyes

(GSM) – Everton manager David Moyes insists he is looking to retain the services of the stars of his team and is not looking to sell any of them. Moyes also claimed Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell, who have been attracting interest from top clubs recently, are in contract talks.

Along with losing Rooney in 2004 to United, Moyes had to sell Joleon Lescott last summer as Manchester City’s riches came calling.

“We are speaking to Steven and things are ongoing,” he told the Daily Star Sunday. “He’s at a club which really suits him and Everton have been very good to him.

“There’s something ongoing with Jack Rodwell at the moment, too. He’s got about four years to go I think. But he’s in talks now about a new contract.

“I don’t feel I need to sell anyone. They’re all under contract. Yeah, there will be some with contracts a bit lower than you want but every club has got the same scenario. I think some of them will look and say, ‘Everton is right for me’.

“It’s a good club. It’s a progressive club and the manager is ambitious to take the club forward.

“I’m not sitting here with any worries. I’m laid back about it. I’m quite comfortable. Some people know when clubs suit them. I could name a couple of players who have left and who might now regret it.

“We have done well to keep our players and I think in the main the players who have stayed will say it’s been the right decision. ”

Even though he may strengthen a few areas of his team, Moyes claims he is happy with the current squad he has at his disposal.

“If I went into next season with the same group of players, all fit, I wouldn’t be too disappointed,” he continued in the Sunday Mirror.

“I’d like to add a couple to keep things going, but I don’t think we need many changes. We’re all excited about what we’ve got here.

“I’m actually relaxed about the whole situation with players because if anybody wanted to leave it would only be poorer for them. It’s tended not to work for people who left.

“I think the players here recognise we’re very close to being a top side and if I was them I’d be saying there’s no need to go.”