West Ham to tie up Ashton deal

West Ham are keen to tie star striker Dean Ashton down to a new deal. The front man has been the subject of interest from Portsmouth and Newcastle; but the Hammers have no intention of letting the former Norwich man leave.

Pompey are believed to be ready to bid £10 million to land the player this summer after yet another impressive season in the Premiership.

But West Ham are reluctant to let one of their prized assets leave at all.

Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "The talks so far have been very positive. We are meeting with Dean and his representatives in the early part of next week with the aim of concluding a new long-term contract."