ORIENT boss Russell Slade is to sit down with club supremo Barry Hearn for contract talks in the coming days.

Hearn told Guardian Series Sport about the meeting, as boss Slade this week cemented his commitment to the O's, following strong rumours he would quit the Matchroom Stadium.

Slade's statement of loyalty came after Hearn last week blocked talks between Slade and Barnsley.

Slade has admitted frustration at the move by his chairman, which came amid rampant speculation that his tenure at the east London club was over. But Hearn refused Barnsley permission because Slade is still under contract at Orient.

Soon afterwards, the Tykes appointed Rochdale boss Keith Hill, who had rejected the job previously.

Now O's fans must wait to see if the club's most successful manager of recent years, accepts Hearn’s new offer currently on the table.

Hearn admitted he does not know how negotiations shall proceed, so uncertainty still exists.

“I will be meeting with Russell Slade and I very much hope he signs the new contract, which is unsigned at present,” Hearn told Guardian Series Sport.

“The crystal ball does not work for more than a week in football, but he is under contract at present.

“If Manchester United come in for him then we may have a problem, but for the moment I am happy,” quipped the chairman.

“We had a great season, which by the standards of the club was the best campaign for years. A lot of that was down to the manager.

“So this is what happens when you have successful people,”

he said of the approach by Barnsley.

“We want all our people to be wanted by other clubs, but that does not mean we are going to let them go.

“It has been a difficult situation, but the contract means something,” insisted Hearn. “If you are happy with someone then you do not want to release them.

“We know everyone wants to go to as high a level as they can, but we want them to achieve that here at Leyton Orient.

“My own job is to look after Leyton Orient and that is what I will do.”

Last week was tough for O’s fans, as Slade was linked with both the Sheffield United and Barnsley jobs.

One national title reported spotting Orient’s manager locked in secret talks with the chairman of Barnsley at a motorway services, near Manchester.

That triggered private calls for clarification from Hearn, he revealed.

“I do not think that press story was confirmed and I have spoken to Barnsley, who told me they have honoured the rules of the league.

“I think the Barnsley interest was a great compliment. But Russell Slade is under contract, so I was always comfortable,” insisted Hearn.

One enticement dangled by Hearn is a bigger transfer kitty than last year for spending on new players.

“I think three or four players are on the cards. Slade is on the case and I’m sure there will be an announcement soon.

“We had a nice meeting a few weeks ago and decided on the budgets. We have released some of our profits into improving the squad.”