Ashton signs new deal

Norwich striker Dean Ashton has signed a new one-year contract extension.

The England Under-21 striker has been courted by Premiership newcomers Wigan, while Nigel Worthington has been chasing Clinton Morrison - with some saying he was lined up as a replacement for Ashton.

Ashton arrived at Carrow Road in January for a club record £4 million from Crewe and he has been a big hit with the Canaries' faithful.

Worthington has constantly said that he wants Ashton to stay and now the 22-year-old has penned a fresh 12-month extension on his contract taking him up until 2009 - with the option of a further year after that.

"I feel my ambition is matched by Norwich City football club," said Ashton.

"By signing an extension to my contract I feel our shared ambition is clearly demonstrated.

"I'm very happy here and I am delighted to continue working with Nigel Worthington, his coaching staff and my team-mates to push on now and try to achieve promotion back to the Premier League with Norwich."

Canaries boss Worthington says that Ashton is integral to his plans of bouncing back into The Premiership.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Dean Ashton has committed his future to Norwich City football club," said Worthington.

"It shows that Norwich City is a very ambitious club and not just a selling club.

"It also shows clearly our intentions for the way ahead - to be promoted back to the Premier League."

Club chairman Roger Munby echoed the sentiments saying that the board had no hesitation in offering Ashton a new deal.

"When we met on Tuesday the board was unanimous in its determination to keep Dean Ashton at Norwich City football club," said Munby.

"Dean's decision to match our ambition by signing a new deal is great news as we can now focus on the job of pushing back up the table with one of England's hottest striking properties leading our line."