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."
Initial talks opened at the end of the season after Ashton had scored three
goals in his last three appearances to take his tally for the campaign to 11.
His form led to a call-up into Fabio Capello's squad, just short of two
years since he was on the verge of his England debut only to suffer a serious ankle injury in training.
Ashton is not among West Ham's top earners but is seen as an important
part of their plans next season.
Manager Alan Curbishley could have a potentially explosive pairing in attack
if Craig Bellamy is kept fit to partner Ashton.
"I am not coming back just to hopefully be good at this level," Bellamy
told West Ham's website.
"I want the next couple of years to be the highlight of my career and to
do that I have got to work so hard."
