WORLD champion Mark Loram will give Poole Pirates first refusal on who he rides for in the British Elite League next season.

The 29-year-old Speedway sensation's manager, Norrie Allan, confirmed today he would be contacting Poole chiefs early next week to arrange talks.

And as long as Gas Appliance Superstore Pirates come up with a sizeable package that suits both parties, a deal could be struck by the end of next week.

Allan admitted two other top-flight tracks had got in touch with him in the hope of enticing Loram away from Wimborne Road.

But Allan, who is also Loram's mechanic, declined to disclose who they were and stressed he would only get back to them if he could not agree a deal with Poole first.

Allan, in the middle of a working trip on behalf of Loram to the Czech Republic and Poland, said: "If I can do a deal with Poole that Mark will be back with them next year, I will.

"I think that is what we both want because Mark had a good year with them last season and I don't see any reason to change as things are still going really well.

"I've always said I wouldn't speak to anyone until after the British Speedway Promoters' Association conference.

"That has finished so now, hopefully, I will speak to Matt Ford, Mike Golding and Pete Ansell at the beginning of next week when I get back from Poland."

Allan is respected in the speedway world as a man of his word.

So it looks as though, just like last winter, it is down to the Pirates to come up with a package that matches Loram's requirements.

If they don't, Poole could find it hard to get a suitable replacement, although they would not have done their homework properly if they hadn't got other options if negotiations with Loram break down.

Any deal would also have to be agreed with Premier League Exeter, who own Loram's contract.

Allan said: "Whatever club Mark has ridden for we always go back to them first to see if they still want us the following year. I think that is the proper way of doing it, although it would be different if Poole had said Mark didn't figure in their plans. And they haven't said that.

"I would not go away with another club to try and fix up a deal when I hadn't already spoken to Poole."

Loram, meanwhile, is one of the favourites to carry off BBC South's Sports Personality of the Year award.

He is attending the event at the De Vere Grand Hotel, Southampton, on Sunday when the winner will be announced during a live programme on Radio Solent which goes out from 9pm to 10pm.