BLACKBURN Rovers are close to agreeing a new contract with Ewood number one Brad Friedel.

As I understand it, the former United States international is poised to put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, which will replace his exisiting contract that still has 12 months to run.

Friedel recently revealed he was ready to commit his long-term future to the club in response to stories linking him with a return to the States.

And Rovers boss Mark Hughes is eager to get something sorted out as quickly as possible, before the 34-year-old enters the final year of his current contract.

The veteran goalkeeper finished the season in brilliant form, keeping an impressive 18 clean sheets to help Rovers win their battle against relegation.

Hughes has also been linked with a summer move for Arsenal's reserve goalkeeper Stuart Taylor but Friedel remains the Welshman's number one and to sign him on a new contract will be a huge boost ahead of the new season.