EWOOD goal-ace Matt Jansen has quashed speculation surrounding his future by signing a new four year contract with Blackburn Rovers.

The 23-year-old hot-shot has been linked with a host of top clubs over the last 12 months after playing a leading role in Rovers' push for promotion.

But the former England Under 21 star has now committed himself to the club until the summer of 2005 following talks between his advisers and the club over the last seven days.

"Matt has signed a new deal until 2005 and we're absolutely delighted," said chief executive John Williams.

"Talks have been on going for about a week between ourselves and Matt's people then Matt came down himself yesterday to finish things off.

"We recognise he's an important member of our squad and this is recognition for the part he played in getting us promotion last season."

Jansen's existing contract had three years to run and it's thought he was not among the highest earners at the club.

But, after scoring 24 goals last term to catapult the club towards the Premiership, Rovers wanted to bring him into line with those players at the top end of the Ewood wage scale.

This now means Graeme Souness's three brightest youngsters -- Jansen, Damien Duff and David Dunn -- are all tied to the club on long-term deals.

And, barring any changes to the existing transfer system, they will not be able to walk away for nothing on a Bosman-style free during the next few years.

"This fits in with the long-term strategy we have in operation at the club," said Williams.

"Matty, Damien Duff and David Dunn have all signed contracts now which ties them to the club for a similar sort of timescale.

"So that means Graeme has the foundations in place to build for the future."

Meanwhile, keeper John Filan is ready to fight for his future at Ewood after asking to be taken off the transfer list.

The Australian international became disillusioned last season to the point of handing in a written transfer request after losing his place to Brad Friedel.

But now the former Coventry keeper has had a change of heart and asked for his name to be taken off the list.

"John wrote to us formally to ask if he could go on the list and we accepted his request at the time," said Williams.

"But now he's written to say he'd like to be formally taken off it."

Rovers have received no concrete enquiries for Filan over the last six months.

Alan Kelly remains on the list, however, as he continues his search to find a new club. SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE: Rovers star Matt Jansen