Dele Adebola is negotiating a new deal with Championship play-off hopefuls Bristol City, writes Andy Stockhausen.

Out of contract in the summer, the veteran Bristol City striker has already held preliminary discussions with club chairman Steve Lansdown and chief executive Colin Sexstone.

And first-team boss Gary Johnson is confident the 33-year-old target man will remain at Ashton Gate beyond the end of the season.

"Talks are on-going," confirmed Johnson. "I'm leaving it to the powers that be and the chairman and chief executive are dealing with the matter.

"Dele has already spoken to the two of them and he has an offer on the table.

"Hopefully, he will be happy with what's put before him. We've made him a good offer and I'm sure he will be a Bristol City player beyond the end of this season."

Adebola, signed from Championship rivals Coventry in January 2008, played an integral part in City's march to last season's play-off final.

And the bustling striker has proved just as effective this term, contributing nine goals in 23 league starts to establish himself as a first-team regular ahead of Stern John, Peter Styvar, John Akinde and Lee Trundle.

So valuable has the former Birmingham and Crystal Palace forward become that City rejected a six-figure bid from Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window.

Robins chairman Lansdown refused to allow the Liverpudlian to speak with Forest boss Billy Davis and wasted no time in offering him a new deal.

"Dele has been in outstanding form for us this season and he's a very important player for us," said Johnson.

"His strength and pace and ability to turn defenders make him a real handful and he's scored some crucial goals."

Adebola headed City's first goal at Reading last weekend and the manager added: "He's back to being the unplayable striker that we all know he can be.

"He still has a lot to offer and that's why we want him to stay and be a part of what we're trying to build here."

Meanwhile, City officials have decided to put back the deadline for supporters wishing to renew season tickets at discount prices until close of business on Tuesday.

The special early-bird offer was due to close last night, but chairman Lansdown opted to give fans more time following City's surge up the Championship table.

More than 5,000 season cards have been sold and further brisk business is anticipated on Monday and Tuesday.

City's home match with Preston North End on Saturday, April 4 has been chosen for a live Sky TV broadcast.

The Championship fixture will now kick-off at 5.20pm and City will bank £60,000.