Turkish midfield ace Tugay is ready to snub a lucrative offer to play in Qatar in favour of finishing his career with Blackburn Rovers.

The former Galatasaray star, who is hoping to be fit for Saturday's clash with Sunderland, is out of contract at the end of the season but his agent Simon Munir, has confirmed his client is close to agreeing a new deal which will see him stay at Ewood Park for another 12 months.

"We're in formal negotiations with Blackburn about a new contract," said Munir, speaking exclusively to the Evening Telegraph.

"Tugay has an offer to play in Qatar but although that would be for considerably more money, he would rather finish his career at Blackburn so hopefully we can get things resolved soon.

"It's a case of striking a deal that's right for him and right for the club and I'm confident that will happen shortly."

The veteran playmaker has been in irresistible form at times this season, making 29 appearances as Rovers have mounted a sustained charge for Europe, which has convinced Mark Hughes the 35-year-old is physically capable of playing on for at least one more year at Premiership level.

The Rovers chief, who is also working on tying up Paul Dickov and Michael Gray on new contracts, said recently: "Tugay has been fantastic this year and we are really delighted with the level of his performances.

"In my opinion, he could definitely play on for another year, but there are a lot of other things to throw into the mix."

Tugay would stand to make considerably more financially if he accepted an offer to play in Qatar, but he is ready to turn his back on a tax-free fortune in favour of prolonging his Premiership career with Blackburn, where he's become a huge favourite with the fans during the last five years.

In the meantime, Tugay plans to return to action at the Stadium of Light this weekend after a three-week absence.

A calf injury picked up in training meant the midfield schemer missed the games against Tottenham, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, but the problem has since responded to treatment and, all being well, he should be in the squad for the trip to the North East.

"I am making good progress and hope to be back soon," said Tugay.

"I have been fortunate with injuries, this is my longest spell out since a five-week absence with a thigh strain soon after I joined."