Ashton signs new contract

West Ham forward Dean Ashton has signed a new lucrative contract at Upton Park for five years. The deal is expected to land the England international over £45,000 a week.

Ashton, who made his international debut against Trinidad and Tobago this week, had been linked with a move to both Portsmouth and Newcastle.

However, it seems that the Hammers have decided Ashton is far too important to the club to sell, and he has now signed and sealed a brand new contract.

The contract will end any Premiership rivals' hopes of landing the forward.