JOHNSON SLAMS MOVE RUMOURS

Johnson - going nowhere.

Everton striker Andy Johnson has rubbished reports linking him with a move away from the club.

Reports over the weekend suggested Johnson could leave Goodison Park this summer with the likes of West Ham, Newcastle and Manchester City interested in signing him.

Johnson has rejected the rumours and says he is happy to stay at Everton after recently signing a new deal at the club.

"I have seen the story in the newspaper and it's absolute rubbish," Johnson told the Daily Post.

"I have recently signed a new deal at Everton, which I was delighted to do. Of course there is competition for striking places here but I wouldn't have it any other way and neither would the manager.

"Stories like this make me really angry and I can only promise the fans that I love being at Everton, I am fully prepared to fight for a place in the side like everyone else in the squad and that leaving the club has never even entered my head.

"We've had a great season and I look forward to helping this club progress even more in the next few years."

Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes is confident Lee Carsley will remain at the club next season.

The 34-year-old's current contract expires at the end of the season and he has been strongly linked with a return to former club Derby.

However, Moyes says Carsley has informed he wants to stay at Goodison Park and he is confident a deal will be agreed with the Republic of Ireland international.

"Lee has told us he wants to sign a new contract here and we expect that to happen," said Moyes.

"He has been very reliable for us - and we don't want to lose that. I want to keep that strong backbone at the club."