Darren Fletcher relaxed about new West Brom deal

Albion's captain is out of contract in the summer, although he triggered a one-year option in his favour based on appearances after playing against Southampton on New Year's Eve.

Fletcher has decided against taking that option so far, but he confirmed that both he and and the club were 'relaxed' about the situation.

The 33-year-old wants to keep playing beyond this season, and he expects his contract to be sorted in the summer, if not earlier.

"It's a strange one really," he said. "I triggered an extension, the extension was my option so the contract is there, there's no issue.

"That's the way it is really. I'm sure It will be sorted sooner rather than later.

"There's no real panic. From my point of view it's a completely relaxed situation."

"There's nothing really going on. It's just the way it is."

Fletcher is not used to having the option in his own favour, but Tony Pulis is eager to keep a player of his experience and calibre at the club and so the Baggies are keen to sit down with their captain and thrash out a suitable deal for all parties.

When Fletcher was asked if those talks would now be for the summer, he said: "It probably is.

"It's a weird situation the fact it's been triggered and it's my option. I'm not sure quite how that managed to be.

"Probably when you sign at the last minute of a transfer window these things happen that way.

"I'm completely relaxed about it and I think the club is completely relaxed about it.

"There's no issue I just want to finish the season and keep playing."

Fletcher has started every single Premier League game for Tony Pulis since he arrived at the Baggies at the start of February 2015.

It is a remarkable run of 86 consecutive games made all the more impressive because the former Manchester United midfielder has returned to action following surgery to deal with chronic bowel disease, ulcerative colitis.

"I feel great, but it's been a tough run," he admitted. "There's been a lot of games and it's been relentless.

"I've been playing injured, dug in and kept going.

"It's been a long run and it's been enjoyable but there's no doubt at times it's been tiring.

"We'll see where it goes. That thing (the run) hasn't really interested me.

"It probably shouldn't be as long as it has been for a number of reasons, injuries and different things.

"It is the way it is and I've always put myself up to be available to play."

American goalkeeper Brad Friedel holds the Premier League record for the most consecutive appearances with 310, although Matt Holland has the most for outfield player with 115.

Of those still playing, Wes Morgan holds the record with 88 consecutive starts at the heart of the Leicester defence, although his run came to an end last month.

Fletcher will overtake Morgan if he starts the next three games, but he's not expecting to break the 100 barrier.

"It will probably never happen again," he said. "And it will end soon but that's just the way it is. I'm not really too bothered about it."