The 24-year-old is in talks with the Hammers over a new deal amid reports of bids from several other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Newcastle.

Ashton left Carrow Road in a £7.25million deal in January 2006, but City insisted on a sell-on clause giving them 15% of any profit West Ham would make should they sell him.

But West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has revealed the club are hoping to tie Ashton down to a new contract in the not too distant future.

Duxbury told the Norwich Evening News: "The end of the season was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his representatives. We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a new long-term contract to keep Dean at Upton Park."

Meanwhile, Norwich have confirmed they are set to play Ridgeons League Division One side Gorleston at Emerald Park on Wednesday July 16, kick-off at 7.45pm.