BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is planning to open contract talks with Morten Gamst Pedersen in the next few weeks.

The Rovers chief is keen to offer the Norwegian international a new deal as a reward for some impressive displays in the Premiership over the last 18 months.

Pedersen has been a revelation for Rovers since he firmly established himself as a regular in the first team last year, scoring 16 goals in 65 appearances to become one of the most highly-rated left-sided midfielders in the country.

At one point, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were both believed to be interested in signing the former Tromso star, but Hughes now hopes to tie up Pedersen for the foreseeable future by offering him a bumper new deal.

A source at the club told me: "Morten is contracted to Blackburn for another two years so we've got adequate protection.

"But Mark is keen to reward him for the way he's performed over the last season and a half so he plans to start contract talks shortly."

At the moment, Pedersen is not one of the bigger earners at Rovers, having joined the club as a relative unknown two years ago.

But his form over the last 18 months or so has seen him become a major star, and Rovers are now keen to reflect that new-found status by offering him a pay rise.

As well as warding off any potential suitors, Rovers are also keen to secure Pedersen's services because he has become one of the club's most marketable assets.

Towards the end of last season, Rovers started negotiations with Danish TV company MTG about a deal regarding broadcasting rights.

MTG, who are the parent company of Bet 24, Rovers' new kit sponsors, want to screen footage of Blackburn games across Europe next season and one of the reasons for their interest is Pedersen, who is a major star in Scandinavia.