DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons has vowed to keep the “core” of his Worcester Warriors squad with highly-rated hooker Jack Singleton among the players he is keen to retain.

The deals of more than half of Worcester’s first team are due to expire next summer.

But Solomons believes “the positive feeling” at the club having racked up six wins in their past eight games will help negotiations with his players and he is aiming to “make progress” before the turn of the year.

A consortium led by former Swindon Town chairman Jed McCrory with Errol Pope, the primary funder, took over the Gallagher Premiership outfit in early October.

“We have begun the process so it is ongoing and that’s all we can say at this point,” Solomons said.

“We will hopefully make progress before the end of this year.”

Wasps are rumoured to be interested in Singleton who has established himself as a key man in Warriors’ front row.

Since bursting onto the scene in the 2016-17 season the 22-year-old has made more than 50 appearances in the blue and gold.

The academy graduate has also gained international recognition having twice played in non-cap games against Barbarians at Twickenham.

According to The Rugby Pass, Wasps are keen on Singleton but it is understood he is happy at Worcester and it would take a significant offer to prise him away from Sixways.

Responding to the speculation, Solomons said: “There are always rumours about everything.

“Wait and see until things actually materialise.

“Jack plays in our starting 15 so clearly (we want to keep him).

“I wasn’t here at the time but I know he came from Saracens and he has been brought through by the club.

“Of course (you want to keep hold of your academy graduates) but it is a professional environment.

“You are going to keep some players, you are going to lose some others and you are going to bring in players.

“That’s professional sport.”

Last season flanker Sam Lewis became the first player to pen a new deal in November 2017 while other Premiership clubs have started to announce contract renewals and new recruits ahead of next term.

“I am determined to keep the core of this team, particularly the core of our academy players,” Solomons added.

Warriors were on a run of five successive victories in all competitions before losing 34-22 at Saracens in the Premiership Cup last Sunday.

They return to league action on Saturday when they visit Bath (12.45pm).

“Of course it helps,” said Solomons on how Worcester’s rich vein of form had impacted on contract talks.

“There is a positive feeling around the club.

“Everyone is in a good frame of mind so it is good but we know it is week by week and we need to perform at the weekend.”