West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson admits HIS contract delays could see them lose their better players.

The Albion chief wants assurances about the club's ambitions before committing beyond his existing contract, which runs out in the summer.

He said: "We are always going to be vulnerable to a club with money who can make players an offer they can't refuse.

"There are four or five clubs in the league that have the financial potential to ransack clubs for their better players.

"It's nice to think that players would to some extent base their decisions on me.

"I am flattered to hear that, but I also must see what is best for me.

"We are approaching that stage now where the discussions will hot up a bit.

"When I see what I'm going into next season with West Brom and I like it, that will be the moment it will be easy to put pen to paper."