DAVID MOYES admits European qualification could be a deciding factor after delaying talks on his Everton future until the end of the season.

Moyes, whose present deal expires in the summer, had previously intimated he would hold discussions with chairman Bill Kenwright after the January transfer window.

However, the Goodison manager has now put any negotiations on hold to ensure ongoing speculation does not distract from his team’s efforts for the remainder of the campaign.

Everton currently occupy the final Europa League berth in sixth place and visit npower League One strugglers Oldham Athletic in their FA Cup fifth round tie this evening.

And Moyes – reportedly a summer target for Chelsea – has revealed the progress a return to Europe would signal may persuade him to extend his 11-year Goodison tenure.

“I've had a chat with Bill but my main reason (for the delay) is I want to see how the team do,” said the Scot. “I want to see if we've got a realistic chance of getting in Europe, or if we can get to a cup final.

“I want to see how well we progress and what we do. I think that's fair for the club as well. I'm straight with Bill and I tell him my thoughts.

“I want it to be purely football now until the end of the season. I don't want anything to get in the way and I would hate to think anything to do with me would. So because of that I'm saying I'll be looking to see it at the summer.

“One thing is I want to try and get Everton back in a European competition if possible. If I can get into a final or a cup that as well, but I don't really think I need anything else at the moment to get in the way of that.

“I'm not ready at this moment in time to do any more than that.”

Despite contract talks now being on hold until at least May, Moyes will continue with his future plans at Everton.

“The work continues because I have to make sure what I'm doing is for the future and we're always looking at next year and moving on,” added the Goodison manager.