Michael Laverty looks set to extend his relationship with Paul Bird's MotoGP into 2014 as the pair are in advanced negotiations to take their relationship forward for another year.

Bird is impressed with Laverty's pace on the bike and his conduct off it and the Irishman may find himself on more competitive machinery next year as Bird is already talks with Japanese manufacturers.

"It will be great to have next year boxed off earlier rather than later. I am enjoying riding for Paul, the team is good and we are making serious progress with the bike. In testing yesterday, we fixed a front-end problem that has been bugging me and I did my fastest lap on a hard tyre that already had 25 laps on it," said Laverty, speaking to bikesportnews.com this lunchtime.

"I did have a crash in the morning when I lost the front. It was the hardest front-end crash I have ever had and my organs are a bit sore this morning. Paul is very keen for us to go forward together next year and so am I."

Bird would not be drawn on which Japanese manufacturer he is in talks with but did say there would be another meeting before Assen but. However, he didn't rule out remaining with Aprilia in 2014.

"I think Aprilia are already upping their game as Espargaro's bike was so fast this weekend. I am having conversations with some Japanese people but we will also see what Aprilia are bringing to the table," said Bird.