Leyton Orient have started talks to extend Jobi McAnuff’s contract, head coach Justin Edinburgh has confirmed.

The midfielder has been an integral member of the Orient squad during his second spell with the club and has been on excellent form since Edinburgh arrived in east London.

His contract is set to expire in the summer and, despite the fact McAnuff will turn 37 next season, Edinburgh is eager to keep him at Brisbane Road.

“100 per cent [we want to extend his contract]. We are already in negotiations to keep him here for next season and for me he has been our best player,” Edinburgh told supporters at a fans forum.

“Age isn’t a barrier and is what you make of it.

“For me, he is an incredible example for every player at this club and for the young players. He is an immaculate pro and a fantastic player as well. We are addressing his contract right now.

“His thought process is ahead of most people on the pitch and you can’t buy that.”

McAnuff returned to the club on a free transfer in July having previously been released by the O’s in 2015.

Edinburgh spoke glowingly of a man he felt was mistreated during his first sting in E10 and believes McAnuff’s willingness to return to the club is evidence of Orient’s stature.

“If I speak about Jobi, he is an absolutely first-class man. I touched on what happened previously and I think he was treated appallingly,” he said.

“That tells everyone about how this football club has drawn him back after how he was treated. That is the size of this club and what it is about.”

Of course January is a hectic time as Orient look to add quality to their squad and continue their progress under Edinburgh.

He is, however, keen to ensure any players who do come into the club don’t upset the balance of his squad as he looks to build for the future.

“There will possibly be a permanent signing and I think I have to be mindful that a lot of the players going forward next year are already contracted,” he said.

“I need to really assess the whole squad over a long period and what I don’t want to do is clog it up with permanent signings.

“If the right one comes along and I think he is going to make us better then I will do that.

“I am mindful of making sure they are the right player and possibly one will come in on a permanent basis.”

A number of young players have already been allowed the leave Orient on short-term deals and Edinburgh confirmed their progress will continue to be assessed.

He said: “I think we will allow some of the younger players to continue on loan as well as bringing one or two of them back.

“We will maybe try and place some in a higher tier club than they are currently at.”

In the short time he has been in charge Edinburgh has managed to mount a revival at Orient as they look to preserve their National League status.

He has taken them six points clear of the drop zone and insists his long-term goals lir far beyond merely keeping the O’s up.

“Honestly I feel there are two promotions in this club,” he said. “I do not think that is unrealistic and the club is equipped for that.

“This club is geared to play in the Football League. There is no hiding from the fact we are playing at this level, but I only know Leyton Orient as a Football League club. That is where we need to get back to.”