Moyes to leave Everton - club

London - Everton confirmed on Thursday that manager David Moyes will leave the club at the end of the season, paving the way for him to succeed Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

"Everton can confirm that David Moyes will leave the club at the end of the season," read a statement on the club's website.

"The manager met chairman Bill Kenwright early yesterday evening (Wednesday) and confirmed his desire to join Manchester United."

Ferguson sent shockwaves through world football on Wednesday when he announced that he was stepping down after a record-breaking 26-and-a-half-year spell in the Old Trafford hot seat that saw him win 38 trophies.

Moyes was immediately installed as the British bookmakers' favourite to succeed his fellow Scot and he met with Everton boss Kenwright later that day to discuss the terms of his departure from Goodison Park.

"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," continued the Everton statement.

"Everton officials will start the search for a replacement manager immediately."

Moyes is expected to officially take over from Ferguson after his Everton contract expires on June 30.