Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II has told reporters that he is hopeful Ben Roethlisberger will stay with the franchise for the long-term future.

Roethlisberger remaining with the Steelers has been much discussed this season, with the quarterback even having to deny rumours over his future back in November.

Now, Rooney has suggested that a new deal will be on the table sooner rather than later.

He told reporters: "We've got to have Ben retire as a Steeler. There's no doubt about that. When both sides are able to come together on an extension? I don't know when that will be, but there's no doubt we look at Ben as somebody who's going to be here for the long term and hopefully five or more years."

Roethlisberger has been with the Steelers since 2004, leading the team to Super Bowl victory on two occasions.