Steve Bruce offers 'positive' goalkeeper update as West Brom contract 'close'

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper David Button is 'close' to signing a contract extension to stay at The Hawthorns beyond the summer, manager Steve Bruce has revealed.

The 33-year-old has started the last three matches for Albion after Bruce made the decision to plan for next season by removing first-choice 'keeper Sam Johnstone from the side. Button kept a first clean sheet of the spell last time out against Coventry City.

Both Johnstone and Button are due to be out of contract come the end of July, leaving just Alex Palmer - who had a spell out on emergency loan at Luton Town in March - under contract past the end of this season. That situation now appears to be reaching a conclusion over the final fortnight of the season.

Asked about the goalkeeper's contract situation, Bruce had a 'positive' update on the discussions. “The talks are continuing," the manager revealed. "I think we’re close.

“Until we officially say it, it’s not done, but I think it’s positive on all fronts." Those are not the only contract talks that are on the horizon either, as the futures of two other Albion regulars are now also up for discussion.

Centre-forward Andy Carroll, who signed at the end of January on a short-term contract, is also on an expiring deal and has impressed as of late for Albion. The 33-year-old has started the last five matches for Bruce's side, scoring in recent home matches against Bournemouth and Blackpool to take his tally for the season to three for Baggies and five in total, including a pair for this weekend's opponents Reading earlier in the campaign.

At the other end of the pitch, Matt Clarke 's loan from Brighton and Hove Albion is coming to an end. The 25-year-old centre-back has been a rare consistent