CENTRE Ryan Mills says he is in no rush to sign a new deal at Worcester Warriors despite admitting to starting contract negotiations.

The 25-year-old playmaker has established himself as a key figure for the Sixways side since his arrival from local rivals Gloucester in 2014.

He has notched 168 points in 63 appearances, playing an influential role in keeping Warriors in the Aviva Premiership last term.

But having only agreed a one-year extension in April the versatile back faces a decision on his future with his current deal due to expire next summer.

Mills said he was “very happy” at the club but with Warriors locked in a relegation battle with London Irish he appears to be holding off on putting pen to paper.

“At the moment we are in a difficult position in the league,” Mills said.

“I genuinely believe that we have got a good squad here and the club can have a long-term, sustainable success which is what we are aiming for.

“To try to help drive the standards and make this club go forward rather than just sit in 10th and 11th place every year is the ultimate goal for me.

“Talks always go on when you are in the last year of your contract.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but I am in constant talks and we will see what happens.

“I am very happy here.”

But when asked whether he was likely to get a deal done quickly, Mills added: “I am in no rush, I never rush.”

Mills has recently returned to action after overcoming two operations and a quad issue sustained in his first game back against Gloucester in September.

He has now featured in Warriors’ last three games, including wins over Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, and hopes his injury woe is behind him.

“I tore a cartilage in my hip in the England training camp for the Barbarians game,” Mills said.

“I ended up having to have two ops off the back of that as I had my hip done and then two weeks later I had my shoulder done which was a clean out job.

“I tore my quad in my first game back and had another eight weeks out, so touch wood that’s everything done now and I can carry on for the rest of the season.”

Mills caught the eye of national boss Eddie Jones last term as he was named in a 29-strong squad ahead of the non-cap match against the Barbarians in May.

But the ex-England under 20s ace insisted his international ambitions were not at the forefront of his mind.

“To be honest I try not to think about it,” Mills added.

“If you start thinking too far ahead about playing for England you forget where you are playing week in week out.

“As long as I perform well and do my thing at Worcester I am sure if the opportunity comes it will come and if it doesn’t so be it.

“I am happy playing rugby here.”