Everton have announced that manager David Moyes will leave the club at the end of the season with a view to joining Manchester United.
A statement released by the Merseyside club this afternoon confirmed Moyes had told chairman Bill Kenwright of his desire to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at United when he retires at the end of this season, and that he would not be extending his contract with the Goodison Park club.
The statement continued: "The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002.
"He has been an outstanding manager."
The statement then paid tribute to Moyes, who will remain in post for the rest of the season, before confirming the search for a successor would start now.
"During his tenure at Goodison Park, David has taken charge of the team on over 500 occasions including four European campaigns.
"His final two games as Everton manager will be the remaining Premier League matches against West Ham United and Chelsea.
"Everton officials will start the search for a replacement manager immediately."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here