West Ham are confident of agreeing a new long-term deal with Dean Ashton, a reported target for Newcastle and Portsmouth, next week.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract and is thought to be on the radar of Pompey and the Magpies, with Manchester United also said to be monitoring his progress.

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."

Ashton is not among West Ham's top earners but is seen as an important part of their plans for next season.