Jonathan Spector is set to be offered a new deal by West Ham United.
The Sun says Spector, 24, looked to be heading out of Upton Park after failing to secure a first-team place.
But having spent most of his career in defence, he was handed a surprise recall in central midfield for the Hammers' Carling Cup quarter-final with Manchester United.
And Spector produced a man-of-the-match show against his former club as Avram Grant's side pulled off a shock 4-0 win.
He has stayed in the side ever since, despite defeats to Sunderland and Manchester City.
The USA international is out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk with other clubs next month, with Cologne leading the chase to sign him.
But West Ham boss Grant is determined to keep most of his squad together and could reward Spector with a new deal.
