FREDDIE FRANS admits there is a ‘big chance’ he will sign a new deal with Partick Thistle and commit his future to Firhill.

The defender has been offered a contract by boss Alan Archibald as the Jags look to build for their fourth successive top flight campaign.

Archibald has the nucleus of his first team squad in place for next term and Frans is now also poised to sign on the dotted line this summer.

The former Lierse stopper has offers on the table to return to Belgium next term but is happy to stay in his new home from home and remain in Glasgow for as long as possible.

Frans said: “If we can keep the core together which the club is trying to do then we can build on it. We’ve been really close to the top six.

“I don’t see much difference between the sides around us. We beat St Johnstone three times and they ended up fourth.

“We need a better start and if we can keep the group together it would be perfect. Personally, I would love to say and I’ve expressed that.

“I received an offer the day before the game so we’ll see what happens. With the season finished we can focus on the future so we’ll talk in the next week.

“I would like another zero on the contract offer but I don’t think that will happen! Money is nice but the grass isn’t always greener and it’s important to feel good.

“I’ve got that feeling at the club and in Glasgow. There is a big chance I will stay. I’ve got a few other options, including Belgian clubs asking me to go back.

“But I made the decision two years ago to leave Belgium and I don’t regret it. I’m 27 and it’s too early to return unless the offers are really good.

“I want to stay in the UK. The offer is for a year with another option of a year. I’d like to stay longer. It’s a good place to be - there are worse places than Glasgow.”

It has been another encouraging campaign for Thistle and boss Archibald as his side have equipped themselves well in the Premiership once again.

The Jags rounded off the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Hamilton Accies on Saturday as they finished three points in front of their visitors in ninth spot in the standings.

Thistle will target a top six berth next term after narrowly missing out last month and Frans is already looking forward to what lies ahead for the Firhill side.

He said: “People talk negatively about Scottish football and say that even League One in England is better but it’s terrible football there as well.

“There are bad games but it’s the same as in Belgium and with Rangers coming up it will be a decent league next season.

“There is probably more money in England and that gives them a better reputation but the league isn’t great and if you see Rangers and Celtic here they are up there with the biggest clubs in the world.

“And with Hearts and Aberdeen also in the league I don’t think you can say anything bad about it.

“Football gives you the chance to see different places so I would never say I wouldn’t try anything else but if I could say now I will spend the next seven or eight years in Glasgow then it would make me a perfectly happy man.

“The fans are good and the games are intense. If I’d ended up at another club the experience might not have been as good but Partick Thistle give me a great feeling.

“I’ve never known such a close group of players. I’ve told the staff I could stay here forever.”