ROY Hodgson ‘expects’ West Bromwich Albion to keep hold of their best players this summer, especially if they secure Premier League survival.

The Baggies are bracing themselves for summer interest about several of their players, with Peter Odemwingie being the latest to be linked with a move this week - although those reports, claiming Juventus were in talks with Albion, were completely wide-of-the-mark.

Even so Hodgson is more interested in ensuring that Albion, assuming survival is guaranteed, build for the future and keep hold of their better players for next season.

He says he is not concerned about speculation but hopes Albion will act quickly in the event of any interest from elsewhere.

“Our players are under contract,” Hodgson told the Birmingham Mail. “We don’t have any worries about any players.

“Speculation is part and parcel of the business.

“I would seriously expect - if we stay up - to hang onto the players we’ve got.

“I would hope the players will do that if we are good enough and lucky enough to be there.

“Our conversations will be more about improving the squad, rather than any players we will lose because we don’t anticipate losing any.

“If we survive the kudos of being in a bad position to start with and then getting out of it will still attract players regardless of where we finish.

“One, if we’re in Premier League then we’ll be able to attract players.