Blues hoping Myko will play ball over new contract

Moyes also rubbishes speculation McNeil could be on his way out

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

EVERTON manager David Moyes says he's hopeful of retaining Vitalii Mykolenko with the Ukraine international set to move into the final six months of his current contract next week.

As of January 1 - four years to the day from when he joined the Blues for an initial £17mil-lion from Dynamo Kyiv - Mykolenko will be able to talk to overseas clubs about a poten tial Bosman-style free transfer next summer.

The 26-year-old, who has made 138 appearances for Everton, scoring four goals, including 16 outings this term, is their only current available option at left-back with first team experience given that summer recruit Adam Aznou is yet to feature in the senior side.