Olsson: Baggies contract talks on hold

Albion defender Jonas Olsson is set to put formal contract talks on hold until after Euro 2012 – increasing the Baggies' fears they will face a battle to keep him.

The Sweden international is ready to delay discussions on his future until the end of the summer, when he will be into the final year of his current deal.

"The thing in my mind is finishing off the season well and preparing as well as possible for the Euros," said Olsson.

"That's what I'm thinking about and then I'm going to have a think about my future. That's how I see it at the moment.

"I want to focus on the Euros first. For me, there is no rush.

"It's not like my contract is expiring this year. I still have another year."

Albion are keen to tie Olsson down to a new, long-term deal with informal discussions between the player and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth having taken place throughout the season.

But his decision to delay formal negotiations is bound to concern the Baggies, who are conscious he could leave on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2013.

The 29-year-old has spoken previously about his interest in trying one of Europe's other top leagues before he retires.

Olsson said: "I've been speaking with Dan Ashworth and we've been talking continuously throughout the season and we're going to keep doing that. I tend to not look too far into the future. I'm very happy here, I'm very grateful for being given the chance to play here and whether my future lies here or elsewhere is something I have to discuss with the club. Like any contract discussion, there are a few pieces more that need to fit in. It is an ongoing process."

Olsson's future is likely to be a key issue in a potentially pivotal summer for Albion's squad, which includes several players who are either out of contract or entering the final year of their deals.

Paul Scharner, Jerome Thomas and Steven Reid are all out of contract at the end of the season.