Hodgson keen to keep Reid

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that talks have begun over tying defender Steven Reid to a new deal.

The Irishman’s existing contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the Baggies boss has revealed the club are looking to take up their option of an automatic 12-month extension.

Hodgson also dismissed fears Reid’s current injury problems could hamper his chances of staying at the Hawthorns, with the veteran utility man sidelined with ankle ligament damage that could see him miss the remainder of the season.

“Dan (Ashworth, the club’s sporting director” is having discussions with Reid’s agent. Steven has done a very good job in the time I’ve been here so I don’t think his current injury will affect him,” Hodgson said.

“It will be more a question of us being convinced he’s a man that will still help us next year and he being convinced that he wants to be here and help us out.

“Dan will talk him through that one and, if he wants to stay, it won’t be a difficult decision to keep him if they can reach an agreement.”

However, Hodgson was less definitive about the future of striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, who is also out of contract.

The Frenchman has struggled to establish himself in his second stint with West Brom, and was sent out on loan to Championship side Doncaster Rovers earlier on in the season.

The former Celtic man has figured more regularly since returning, but Hodgson has stressed that form will not be the only factor in discussions.

“Our decision on Fortune will be based on 18 months work and not just two months but it’s been good for him that he has suddenly started to play well,” said the former Liverpool boss.

“It has made us realise the potential we saw in him is now likely to be realised.”