Gareth McAuley in talks about extending his contract

The 36-year-old defender will surpass Bob Taylor as the club's oldest outfield player in the Premier League if he plays against Norwich tomorrow.

He is currently on a 12-month rolling contract due to expire in the summer, but the Baggies have been so impressed with him this season, they are keen to keep him out of retirement.

McAuley has played 30 games already this campaign. He has been a bedrock at the heart of Albion's miserly defence, which has managed to keep 10 clean sheets so far.

"That could continue into next year," revealed Baggies boss Tony Pulis. "The club are in discussions with him."

The Northern Irishman turns 37 in December, and could bow out after playing for his country in Euro 2016 this summer.

But McAuley – who spent his early career playing semi-professionally in Northern Ireland – didn't make his professional debut until the age of 24, when he joined Lincoln City.

He's used positioning and experienced decision-making on countless occasions this season to deal with strikers younger and faster than him.

And the 6ft 3in defender has completed the full 90 minutes in each of his 25 Premier League games. His fitness shows no signs of letting up any time soon.

"He's been fantastic and his fitness levels are extraordinary," said Pulis.

"He looks after himself very well, he didn't come into football until later in his career so that's probably helped a little bit.

"We're in an era now where we know what keeps the human body going and we know what it needs.

"He looks after himself, and he's a great professional, great lad to have around."

Taylor was 36 years and 97 days old when he played against Newcastle in May 2003.

McAuley has a chance to beat that outfield record today, but he'll have to go some way to overtake goalkeeper Dean Kiely, who was 38 years and 226 days old when he played against Blackburn Rovers on the final day of the 2008/09 season.