Blackburn Rovers are hopeful of agreeing a permanent contract with Arnor Sigurdsson.

The Icelandic international is now in the last six months of his contract at CSKA Moscow, having frozen his deal due to the war with Ukraine. Under FIFA regulations, players have been permitted to move elsewhere while the conflict continues.

Rovers took full advantage of that, signing Sigurdsson on an initial season-long loan in the summer. The 24-year-old's deal with the Russian side is now into the final six months meaning a pre-contract agreement can be reached.

Unlike in England, contracts in Russia run until May 30, rather than June 30. That means players are now free to negotiate with overseas clubs freeing Sigurdsson to move to Ewood Park permanently if he so desires.

Rovers have always been hopeful that a deal can be struck with the talented winger, who has shown glimpses of his full potential already this season. The Lancashire Telegraph understands an agreement in principle has been agreed for some time and talks are continuing to get a that deal formalised and signed.

After scoring against Bristol City, Jon Dahl Tomasson admitted he would like to see the club sign Sigurdsson permanently.

"Hopefully we can do that but let's wait and see," he told The Lancashire Telegraph. "This is not my part, it's the club who has to try and get players in to help the team, the club and the fans."

Sigurdsson has scored five goals for the club in 15 appearances, four of those in the Championship. After an initially red-hot start, he's been quieter in the last six weeks.

However, he produced his best display since a brace at Queens Park Rangers against Bristol City, showing great quality to take the ball in his stride and finish. It was a clinical shot and the composure he's shown in front of goal during his short spell at the club has been impressive.

Contract renewals have been an important part of Rovers' strategy ahead of the January transfer window. Sam Szmodics and Adam Wharton have both penned fresh deals with Dom Hyam another player in the pipeline.

The club would also like to see Sigurdsson agree on a long-term stay at Ewood Park ahead of the New Year. The forward is thought to be open to signing permanently too.

Speaking to the Icelandic press in June, the forward said: "The dream is to go to England, that's the biggest.

"I have to look at the options I have and make the right choice. (The FIFA rule) of course, facilitates the situation I'm in, I have one year left on my contract with CSKA."