Darren Fletcher close to triggering one-year contract extension clause

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis has revealed that captain Darren Fletcher is close to triggering a clause in his contract that would guarantee him a one-year extension.

The 32-year-old joined the Baggies from Manchester United in February 2015 and quickly established himself as a key member of Pulis's side, being handed the captaincy and playing 67 consecutive matches in the Premier League.

Fletcher will earn a 12-month extension once he plays a certain number of games for the club, and Pulis expects him to reach that mark before the end of the season.

"Darren has a clause in his contract, I believe, where if he plays a certain amount of games he gets an extension," he told reporters.

"I'm not sure how many games he is away from that but I would imagine he will get there before the end of the season and it would be brilliant for the football club because he's a brilliant fella. Not just on the pitch but off the pitch, he is a fantastic lad around the dressing room and around the other players.

"As I keep saying, we're trying to put something together that is not just about the first team but is about what is happening below it as well and Darren has been fantastic with the young players. He is a good lad. Being around him and speaking to him, he's a very grounded lad. He's a very, very ordinary lad who understands how lucky he is."

Fletcher is once again expected to be in the starting lineup when West Brom take on league leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.