BLACKBURN Rovers will open talks with manager Graeme Souness about a new contract in the summer.

Souness's present deal is due to run out at the end of next season and the club's board of directors are keen to put a new offer on the table before the Scot enters the final 12 months of his existing deal.

The former Liverpool boss has proved a revelation in his two years at Ewood so far, leading Rovers back into the Premiership in his first full season and then following that up with last weekend's Worthington Cup success.

However, as the club focuses on surviving in the top flight between now and May, the board will put discussions about a new contract on ice.

But they are eager to sit down and talk come the end of the season and Souness is thought to be keen about extending his current deal.