Ashton set for contract talks with Hammers

4:27pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

WEST Ham are set to open contract talks with Dean Ashton later this week.

The Irons striker has fallen behind many of his team mates in the wagescale and has expressed his concerns that the club has yet to open discussions about securing his long-term future.

The 24-year-old, who has hit 11 goals for the Irons this season - including five in his last eight games - has two years remaining on his current deal.

However, with the season now concluded, the club revealed it is looking to tie up Ashton (pictured) on a long-term contract and is set to meet the player and his representatives to discuss a deal on Friday.

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: "The end of the season was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his representatives.

"We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a new long-term contract to keep Dean Ashton at Upton Park."