Albion ready to open James Morrison talks

Albion are poised to open talks with key midfielder James Morrison over a new contract.

The Baggies want to tie down the Scotland international beyond the end of next season, when his current deal is set to expire.

And they are planning to open negotiations in the next few weeks as boss Tony Pulis assembles his new-look squad.

Hawthorns officials are currently prioritising identifying and chasing new faces as Pulis looks to freshen up his side ahead of his first full season in charge.

But they are conscious that Morrison, who was arguably the most consistent performer in Pulis's five months in charge in the last campaign, could leave on a free transfer next season unless he agrees a new deal.

They are expected to approach the Scotland international's representatives in the next few weeks to sit down with the 29-year-old when the players return for pre-season training at the end of June.

Morrison signed for Tony Mowbray in August 2007 in a £1.5m move from Middlesbrough and is now the Baggies' longest-serving current player.

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He has made 259 appearances, scored 29 goals and played his part in promotions in 2008 and 2010 as well as the club's run to the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley under Mowbray.

And Morrison, who figured in Scotland's 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw in Ireland on Saturday, spoke recently about his desire to extend his stay beyond 300 games.

"I've played over 250 games and that's despite having missed most of one season with injury, so I'm proud of that game tally," he said.

"That injury was a pretty tough time because it went on for a while and took time to resolve, so I didn't come back until the end of