BLACKBURN Rovers are yet to open negotiations with Ben Marshall over extending his contract.

But Rovers owners Venky’s have been told that handing the versatile star a new deal must be high on their priority list.

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Marshall was the subject of approaches from Championship rivals Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.

And, after an excellent campaign at Ewood Park in which he has been transformed into an attacking right-back, reports at the weekend suggested the promotion-pushing Seagulls remain keen.

Rovers are aware of the need to tie Marshall and centre-back Shane Duffy, who is also enjoying an impressive season, down to new contracts.

The key duo are about to enter the final year of their current deals as they are contracted to the club until the summer of 2017.

And to that end Ewood-based officials have advised India-based Venky’s of the need to act.

Rovers will have eight senior players out of contract at the end of the current 2015-16 campaign – goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, defenders Tommy Spurr and Matt Kilgallon, midfielders Lee Williamson and Chris Taylor, and strikers Chris Brown, Simeon Jackson and Nathan Delfouneso.

However aside from Spurr, who is currently sidelined by an Achilles injury, all have been bit-part players under Paul Lambert.

And Rovers boss Lambert has already stated no decision will be made over their futures until he discovers exactly what his summer budget will be.

The former Norwich City and Aston Villa manager was appointed by Venky’s in November after a chase led by their advisor Suhail Pasha.

It is understood Lambert agreed to take the job after being assured Rovers would go for it next season.

But speaking after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Wolves he again insisted he had not received the final say from Venky’s over whether they will back plans that will require major investment.

Lambert’s main line of communication has been through Pasha who is expected to return to Ewood before the end of the campaign.

The former Celtic and Scotland midfielder has previously stressed the need to appoint a Blackburn-based ‘figurehead’ following managing director Derek Shaw’s departure in February.

And at the weekend Lambert stated that Rovers supporters need to know the intentions of Venky’s as much as he does.

“I have always said that this will be a massive summer for the club and where it wants to go,” said the Scot after the Molineux stalemate which left his side 16th going into this Saturday’s home clash with Huddersfield Town.

“I can’t do anything until we know exactly what is going to happen.

“It is a brilliant club with really good people and supporters and they are the ones you feel sorry for.

“They need to know what is going on as they have supported the club through thick and thin and they always will do.

“What you want is a chance to try and get out of the league. That is why I came, to try and get out of the league.

“I don't want to be sitting where we are. There are only two scenarios – promotion or the play-offs.

“They are the only two I am interested in. Ultimately I want to get out of the league.”