TUGAY will agree to extend his love-affair with Blackburn Rovers by signing a new 12-month contract today.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes offered the veteran Turk a fresh one-year deal with the opportunity to move on to the coaching staff at Ewood Park.

After mulling it over the weekend, the 37-year-old has now agreed in principle to the new contract, and will today officially put pen to paper.

"It is great news for everybody," said Rovers chairman John Williams. "Clearly, Tugay has established a strong link with the club.

"It's a playing contract and he will remain part of the playing squad, but there could be an opportunity for him to move into the coaching side of things."

It is believed Tugay will sign what effectively amounts to a pay-as-you-play deal; he will get a low basic but receieve extra appearance money on top.

Although he struggled to command a regular place in Blackburn's first-team last season - making 20 Premier League appearances - the midfield creator believes he can play on in England's top flight for another season.

And while his decision is expected to go down well with the vast majority of Rovers supporters, who can anticipate watching the maestro in a Rovers jersey again, in what will be his eighth season at Ewood, it is a significant capture for Hughes.

The Blackburn boss has always been a huge admirer of the playmaker, and he may relish calling on Tugay's experience on the training ground.

It is thought the prospect of starting his coaching career under Hughes' guidance played a key factor in luring the former Rangers and Galatasaray man to stay on.

Furthermore, Tugay has developed an incredibly close bond with Rovers since joining from Rangers back in the summer of 2001.

Meanwhile, Rovers have poured cold water over speculation linking them with Sheffield United midfielder Michael Tonge and Derby County youngster Giles Barnes.