The future of Dean Ashton was on the agenda at today's West Ham board meeting. England striker Ashton, who scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa, wants assurances about his career at Upton Park.

Ashton said: "I just want to know where I stand. I haven't really been told that at the moment.

"I'm not saying I want to go. I have seen my name linked with other clubs, but I'm more worried about what West Ham think of me and whether they want to keep me."

Owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was expected at today's meeting to confirm that Alan Curbishley must trim his squad.

The club, who bought almost exclusively from the English market last summer, may turn their attention to Europe for new players, particularly following the appointment of Italian technical director, Gianluca Nani.