SPECULATION is over regarding the future of Warrington Wolves' England international Stefan Ratchford, who has today signed an enhanced contract extension to remain at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The 28-year-old, who has recently been linked with St Helens and previously with hometown club Wigan, had one year remaining on his current terms but has added two more seasons to keep him in primrose and blue until the end of 2020.

Despite the disappointing results at the start of 2017, Ratchford continues to see a bright future for The Wire and said he wants to stick around "as long as possible."

Ratchford, who joined Wolves from Salford in 2012, said: “I’m delighted to get this over the line.

"I was heading into the last year of my deal next year and didn’t know what was to happen so I’m delighted that the club has chosen to extend my contract.

"This is my sixth season here and I’m really enjoying myself.

"The results and performances have been disappointing this year for the standards we set ourselves but if you look at the squad we know what we are capable of.

"The next few years are exciting with the young lads coming through and the current squad we have.

"The club is continuing to grow off the field as well as on it and hopefully, in the not too distant future, we can finally pick up that elusive Grand Final winners' ring and achieve the goals we’ve set out for.

"Over the next few years I think the future is really bright for the club and it’s something I want to be a part of for as long as possible.”

The current Wolves and Englan full-back has made 160 appearances to date, clocking up 550 points in the process.

In his first season Ratchford was part of the team that lifted the Challenge Cup and has made further appearances in the final at Wembley as well as the Grand Final twice at Old Trafford.

After earining his first England cap off the bench against France last autumn, he got his first start earlier this month in the Pacific Test against Samoa, crossing for the 100th try of his carer.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “I’m delighted for Stef on his extension.

"He has been very consistent this year and has earned the right for a longer term deal.

"He was already on contract for next year, but is mature enough with the right sort of temperament for us to extend his contract further.

"He works hard and is a good leader within our group.

"This is a nice reward for a lot of hard work and for how professional he is on and off the field.

"He’s played a versatile role for us very well over the years; he’s mainly played one position this year but I believe he would still have performed just as well in the halves or at centre.

"I’m delighted that he’s forced his way into the England set up too and has had that recognition.”