The 28-year-old impressed under manager Steve Bruce last season, helping the club avoid relegation to the Championship.

He still has two years left on his contract, but Bruce said: "We're having discussions with Boyce about him getting a new deal - he's done very well here.

"He came into the team during the season and it's hard to remember him putting a foot wrong once he got in.

some progress

"Most of the time Boyce was playing at centre-half, but in the last couple of games we switched him to right-back when Mario Melchiot was injured, and he did well there too."

Bruce also hopes both Paul Scharner and Mike Pollitt will sign new deals, with goalkeeper Chris Kirkland having already committed himself. "As far as the other contract negotiations are concerned, I would think Polly will sign for another year," said Bruce.

"There's nothing more to report on Scharner as yet, things have gone a bit quiet. Hopefully we can make some progress over the next few weeks.

"I was delighted to get Kirkland's contract done the other week. Sorting out players already at the club is just as important as bringing in new signings."