Hammers hold Ashton talks
28 May 2008 - 10:02:35
West Ham United have held further contract talks with Dean Ashton and are confident the striker will pen a new long-term deal with the club next week.
The 24-year-old still has two years left to run on his existing deal with the Hammers but manager Alan Curbishley is keen to tie Ashton down to a new longer-term deal following recent speculation over his future.
Chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "The talks so far have been very positive.
"We're meeting with Dean and his representatives in the early part of next week with the aim of concluding a new long-term contract."
The former Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City striker, who has netted 13 times in 43 appearances for the Hammers, has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool in recent weeks.
The Swindon-born forward joined the Hammers in a £7million deal in January 2006, but has suffered a succession of injury problems during his time at Upton Park.