Josu Urrutia confident of Iker Muniain deal

Athletic Bilbao president Josu Urrutia has revealed that Iker Muniain has asked to postpone contract talks with the Basque outfit until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has scored five times for the La Liga side this season, including three in the league, which is already more than his total for the 2012-13 season.

His current deal will expire in 2015, but Urrrutia is confident that the Spaniard will sign a fresh contract.

"He has asked me to postpone solid negotiations about his renewal until the end of the season, because he doesn't want it to be like a soap opera. Also, he has a personal aim of recovering the sensations he didn't have last season," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Iker has told me that since he came here, as a 12-year-old, he's been delighted. I don't think there's any need for concern. He's a sincere person who Athletic value highly and that conversation has given me calm. My feelings are positive and I'm optimistic."

Muniain has been with Bilbao since 2005.