Noble resolution close

West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady has revealed that midfielder Mark Noble is close to agreeing terms on a new contract.

The 25-year-old midifelder is currently the club's longest-serving player but his current deal, signed in 2009, is set to expire next summer.

At one point during the last transfer window it appeared as if he may be leaving the club after earlier talks had reached a stalement.

However Brady believes that the two parties are on the verge of reaching a deal that will keep Noble at the club for several more years.

"Mark is a proper Hammer, practically born and certainly bred by the club and I’m really pleased he’s about to sign a new contract," she said. "He’s 25 and already played 190 games for us so there has to be a chance of him hitting as many as 500 one day.

"Mark’s a fine midfielder but much more because he’s a giver as well as a taker, always prepared to put himself out, happy to help with anything that connects to the club and our fans. Old-fashioned, I suppose, and I can think of no greater praise."

Brady, speaking in her column for a tabloid newspaper also revealed that Wigan - who travel to West Ham next Tuesday for a third round Capital One Cup clash - have sold just 69 tickets.