Moyes opens talks on new five-year contract at Everton

The Everton manager, who has begun talks with chairman Bill Kenwright over a new five-year contract, is desperate to win a trophy after six years at Goodison Park.

Wednesday night's 2-1 away victory over the Hammers took Moyes' side to within one match of the Carling Cup final but, as they bid to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches, he said: "I would rather have the league points.

"We are going into a period where a lot of things will be decided and we need to hang on to the shirt-tails of the teams above us and not get too far away.

"If we are in the next round of the UEFA Cup and the Carling Cup we have to also make sure we maintain our league form.

"The reason we are in the UEFA Cup this year is because we finished sixth last year and we have to try and do it again."

The Arsenal v Chelsea and Liverpool v Manchester United clashes on 'Super Sunday' give chasing clubs like Portsmouth, Manchester City and seventh-placed Everton an opportunity to make ground on the top four but Moyes declared: "'Super Saturday' is more important for me.

"I've got a big Saturday coming up and I'll be more interested in our result. Obviously, we're hoping we can win our game to try and catch one of the top four."

Moyes, who has two years to run on his present deal, confirmed that he has been talking about a new contract at Goodison Park..

"Me and the chairman have just mentioned it - we've not got any further than that at this present time but I have a great relationship with my chairman and we're both comfortable with the situation," he said.

Five more years would take Moyes into the realms of longevity enjoyed by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

But he stressed: "It may put me up there in length but it certainly doesn't put me up in quality because they've won trophies. I've not won anything yet so from that point of view I've got a long way to go."

Moyes hopes the progress Everton have made in his six years there will be noticed by club chiefs so quick on the trigger when success does not come instantly.

He said: "The team are playing the best in the six years I've been here.

"I think that's a message to a lot of chairmen out there. Give your managers a bit more time, instead of having a knee-jerk reaction over sackings and changing things around."

He has ruled out a January spending-spree, stating: "We're a little bit short maybe in one area and if the right player was available I'm sure we'd look to do something but it would be more likely to be a loan player than a buy.

"I'm very happy with the players we've got. The way they've played this season, they are getting better."

An example of that is Leon Osman, who Moyes hopes will be given a chance to impress Fabio Capello, who is set to be named as the new England boss.

"If you are a new manager you've got a duty to see them all and form your own opinions," he added.

"From what I hear Capello has strong opinions and is single-minded, and I'm sure he'll do that.

"He won't be led by anybody and he'll make his own decisions on what players he selects."

"Technically, Leon's a very good little player and sometimes people don't see it. He's hard-working as well.

"He's played very well for me and is one of our own, he's come through the academy, been out on loan to get experience and and come through.

"He's very tenacious, he's comfortable on the ball - and he does score a goal."