Keith Wyness, the Everton chief executive, has dismissed suggestions that David Moyes will not sign a new contract at Goodison Park.

Wyness, speaking last night at the club's annual awards dinner at St George's Hall in Liverpool, claimed Moyes and club owner Bill Kenwright remained "deep in talks" over a new contract, but that he remained confident a deal would be reached. Moyes led Everton to their best-ever Premier League campaign when they finished fourth in 2004-05 and is on course to lead them to Uefa Cup qualification again this season, but his contract runs out at the end of the 2008-09 campaign.

Following months of talks, reports have suggested the deal had hit a stumbling block. But Wyness said: "Bill and David have been deep in talks for some months. Those talks are going fine, there is absolutely no problem there at all." Kenwright was absent from Wednesday night's event due to the birth earlier in the day of his first grandchild.

Joleon Lescott picked up two awards, the fans' player of the year trophy and the players' player of the year award, while Victor Anichebe was named young player of the year while also winning the shareholders' young player of the season trophy.

Lescott, who also made his England debut this season, admits he has been delighted with his form over the past season.

He said: "I had never played left-back before I came here, I have played for England there and obviously for Everton there. But I would prefer to play centre-half to be honest, I made my debut for England at centre-half and hopefully I can continue there for Everton.

"I have spoken to the boss a few times (about it) but this season it has been more about the team so hopefully next season we can sort that out, I want to play centre-half, he knows that. And he sees me as a centre-half but it is more important for me to play at left-back for the team so I am more than willing to do that."