Oct 16, 2007 4:23 PM EST

The Reds apparently want to keep Adam Dunn in the middle of their lineup next year and perhaps beyond that.

According to a report Tuesday on the Cincinnati Enquirer's web site, the Reds are expected to exercise their $13 million option on Dunn's contract.

The newspaper also reported that the team may also be exploring a contract extension with the slugger, who has been the subject of trade talks over the past few years.

Via Yahoo.com