Albion today revealed they are confident of striking a deal to tie star goalscorer Peter Odemwingie to the club.

The Baggies have opened talks with Odemwingie and his agent over an extension to his existing deal.

And sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth expects an agreement to be reached when negotiations resume later this summer. The 29-year-old, who enjoyed a prolific debut season in the Premier League with 15 goals and a string of eye-catching performances, has a year remaining on his current contract plus a further year’s option in Albion’s favour.

But the club are keen to agree a new and improved deal with the former Lokomotiv Moscow hitman to reward him for his stunning season and silence any fears that he could leave The Hawthorns.

“We have spoken to Peter and we have spoken to Peter’s representatives,” said Ashworth.

“We know where they are and they know where we are and I don’t foresee any great problems in sorting out a new contract.

“Things have been held up because all of the relevant parties are away.

“But once we can get everybody together I’m optimistic we’ll be OK.”

Holiday

Odemwingie is currently on holiday in South Africa after being released several days before the end of Albion’s Premier League campaign to start his summer break early.

He is enjoying an unexpected rest after he was left out by Nigeria coach Samson Siasia for next month’s international friendly against Argentina and the 2012 Africa Nation’s Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

But a spokesman for the Nigeria team has predicted a swift return for the striker, who was axed after Siasia accused him of leaving a Nigeria squad in March without permission.

“The player has just been left out for a couple of games and, knowing him as well as I do, I can assure you that he will be looking to get back into the squad for the next Nigeria game,” media officer Colin Udoh said.

“We haven’t really spoken since the incident. We just swapped text messages before he went on holidays, but Osaze (Odemwingie’s Nigerian name) will soon be back playing for Nigeria.”