'Productive meeting' over Ashton

West Ham United are due to meet again with Dean Ashton's representatives after positive talks last Friday about securing the striker's long-term future at the Boleyn Ground.

The 24-year-old is a firm part of Alan Curbishley's plans for next season and the 16 May talks were aimed at extending the terms of his existing deal, which still has two years left to run. A second meeting will be held the week after next following the opening discussions. West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury said: "We had a very productive meeting. Dean wants to stay and we want him to stay. We are committed to finding agreement on a new long-term contract."