Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand has insisted that the team is confident of keeping hold of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

Suh has been the subject of much discussion recently, given that the team have so far been unable to tie him down to a long-term contract extension with the prospect of free agency looming.

"We've had a lot of good dialog with Ndamukong over the course of his career, but more specifically over the course of this season," said Lewand when interviewed on Flashpoint.

"I spent some time with him last summer just before training camp started, we've had dialog with him of course over the course of this season from Jim Caldwell to Martin Mayhew and myself to members of the the Ford family, Bill Ford and Mrs. Ford.

"I really do believe that he has a lot invested in here, in himself and in the community and the football team. He wants to have success in football, obviously, but he wants to do that with us. I think there is a very, very good chance we can get something done with him in the next few weeks."

The period for players to move under unrestricted free agency begins on March 10.