Wigan Athletic defender Emmerson Boyce wants to end the saga of his future soon by signing a new contract with the club, so he can focus entirely on the Premier League.

Ever since his arrival from Crystal Palace in 2006, the 28-year old has proved to be an integral part of the squad.

He still has two years to go on his current deal, but the player wants to sort out things way ahead of time.

He told the Wigan Evening Post: "Hopefully we can get everything sorted out sooner rather than later. We are close.

"I have two years left on this contract, but it's nice to start negotiating early so that I know where my future is.

"It has been a two-way thing, the club approached me about a new contract as a reward for the way I have been performing.

"I was only too happy to negotiate an improved deal because I want to help this club move forward.

"We finished last season strongly and the aim this time has to be to push further up the table and finish as high as we can.

"With Steve Bruce here from the word go this time, I really think we have a chance of going higher."