West Ham striker Ashton to snub Toon by joining Upton Park's top earners

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The striker, who is set to start for England against the USA at Wembley, wanted assurances about his future following speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle and Portsmouth. Manchester United were also said to be monitoring his progress.

Happy Hammer: Dean Ashton (right) is set to stay at West Ham

Since the end of the season, though, Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury and Ashton's representatives have been in contact and there was a further meeting on Tuesday.

It is understood the talks went well and Ashton, whose current deal has two years left to run, is now expected to sign a new, long-term contract when he returns after England's friendly in Trinidad on Sunday.

The 24-year-old can expect a pay rise from his current £30,000-a-week earnings to put him in line with the club's top earners.

"The talks so far have been very positive," said Duxbury. "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."

The news that Ashton is staying will be a boost to the club, since the former Crewe and Norwich striker, who has battled back from a serious ankle injury, is a firm favourite among the fans.

Boss 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 said on whufc.com. "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."

Either Ashton or Jermain Defoe will link up with Wayne Rooney in attack against the U.S. with England coach Fabio Capello able to chose from an entire squad of fit players.