ALBION are in talks with Niki Maenpaa to extend his stay as back-up keeper.

The future of the Finnish international is in the melting pot as he weighs up whether to remain for another year as David Stockdale’s understudy.

Albion signed Maenpaa last summer from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo as cover and competition for Stockdale.

The 31-year-old was restricted to three competent appearances in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup as Stockdale dominated between the posts in the Championship.

Albion manager Chris Hughton told The Argus: “I’m hoping he will agree. We are in talks with him but nothing is finalised.

“He was excellent in everything else he did, his work around the place, his attitude in training, so he was fine and did more than enough to want to offer him another contract.”

It is unclear whether Maenpaa’s future will be resolved before he is back on international duty. Finland face friendlies away to Belgium in Brussels next Wednesday and against new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte’s Italy in Verona on June 6.

Departing Albion captain Gordon Greer is with the Scotland squad for friendlies against Italy in Malta on Sunday and away to Euro finals hosts France on June 4.

Winger Jiri Skalak is with Euro finalists the Czech Republic for warm-up matches against Malta this evening and Russia on Wednesday.