NEGOTIATIONS to try and extend Sam Parkin's County Ground contract are expected to begin when the player returns from his Australian holiday.

The lines of communication have already been opened with the player's agent although there are obviously no guarantees at this stage.

As it stands the 24-year-old has another year left on his deal and the Town board are keen to see that extended by at least a year.

Director Sandy Gray said: "As we've said on numerous occasions, we see Sam as very much a part of our future and we want to build a successful team around him.

"We want to talk about extending his contract with us and hopefully we can achieve that.

"Sam has been fantastic for us and we want that to continue."

The player himself, who had netted 73 goals in three seasons, declined the opportunity to talk about an extended deal at the end of last season.

However, he also added that he would have no issues with remaining a Town player at the start of the 2005-06 campaign.

Gray confirmed this morning that Watford's 'unsatisfactory' six-figure offer remains the only bid on the table.

None of the other clubs supposedly chasing the player have made an official approach.

Manager Andy King said last week that only an 'extreme' offer, in excess of a million pounds, or a bid that made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up would succeed in prising Parkin away from the County Ground.