BLACKBURN Rovers are set to reward goalkeeper Brad Friedel with a lucrative new four-year deal.

Ewood chief executive John Williams revealed today that preliminary talks have already taken place with the United States international and his team of advisers.

And Rovers are confident the former Liverpool stopper will put pen to paper on a new contract when he returns from the World Cup early next month.

"Brad has been an outstanding success for us, particularly in the context that we signed him for nothing," said Williams.

"We've agreed in principle the terms of a new four-year deal but nothing will be signed and sealed until Brad returns from World Cup duty with America now."

As things stand, Friedel currently has another year left to run on his existing deal anyway.

But manager Graeme Souness is eager to tie him to a longer contract as recognition of his value to the squad.