Derby's Robbie Savage turns down MLS move to Vancouver

Savage was substituted in Derby's defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday

Derby County captain Robbie Savage is to turn down an offer to join Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Savage, 36, would have needed to leave for Canada before the English season ends, perhaps as early as March.

Instead, he says will complete his Rams contract until the end of this season before finding another club in August - or working in the media full time.

"I'm going to stay here," he said on Twitter. "Canada was a great option but it was too big a move for my family."

While mulling his decision in recent weeks, midfielder Savage - who joined Derby in January 2008 for £1.5m and also works as a television and radio pundit - admitted he was tempted.

"They [Vancouver] are a new team in the MLS, they're moving to a new £300m stadium and they are very ambitious.

"The chance to be part of making soccer popular in America, alongside people like David Beckham and Thierry Henry, is obviously very tempting. But it is up to Derby now, and depending on what they say I will then talk to my family, and to the BBC and ESPN."

But, on Sunday, the former Welsh international revealed on his Twitter account that he aims to stay in Britain.

"So for the first time ever I will be out of contract in the summer," he said. "I'm going to have to be my own agent!"

"It was a massive call, but I've worked hard in the media to get where I am and took good advice off people. It's the right choice."