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Hammers set for Ashton contract talks Friday

13/05/2008

West Ham United are set to initiate talks with highly-rated striker Dean Ashton over a new long-term contract later this week.

The former Norwich City and Crewe Alexandra forward, who joined the Hammers for a then club record £7.25 million in 2006, has been linked with a host of other Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and Manchester United.

A number of the club's other big-name signings, including fellow forwards Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, have also been rumoured to be the subject of bids from other clubs.

But the Hammers have sought to allay fans' fears that the current strikeforce will be broken up in the summer by making a statement through the club's chief executive Scott Duxbury.

"The end of the season was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his representatives," Duxbury explained.

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

"Everyone at West Ham United is committed to taking the club forward and we will keep all supporters up to date with developments via the official website as and when we have them to report."