Benoit Pedretti has insisted he has already agreed terms on a new deal with Sochaux, and will put pen to paper in the coming weeks.
Pedretti was chased by several top clubs over the summer, but decided to remain with Sochaux, hinting he would leave at the end of this season.
Pedretti's present contract expires in 2004, but it appears he is not looking to become a free agent, but will agree a new deal that will allow his club to demand a fee for his services.
"I have contacted the officials several times about a renewed deal," Pedretti told L'Equipe.
His president Jean-Claude Plessis is confident that things will be finalised imminently.
"We have regular talks and everything is 99 percent settled," confirmed Plessis.
"There one or two details to settle but we have agreed the wage and the length - three years.
"There are still some differences on the release clause but I am very happy.
"It is a beautiful present to the club from Benoit - and shows that he understands the education he has received here."
