Blackburn manager Mark Hughes says the club are "as close as we have ever been" to agreeing a new deal with Benni McCarthy.

The South Africa striker was a revelation in his first Barclays Premier League campaign and, although he has struggled this season, Hughes has seen enough quality to want to extend his stay.

There were reports earlier this week that a new deal had been agreed, to which Hughes responded: "I don't think it is actually signed but I think we are as close as we have ever been.

"It has been a long, drawn-out negotiation but we are very hopeful it will be coming to a conclusion sooner rather than later.

"I think it is important we show to everyone that we are a club that are trying to keep our best players here and Benni is certainly one of those.

"He had an outstanding first season. This season has been a little stop-start for Benni but he has still scored goals.

"The fact Benni will be with us for a number of seasons is very reassuring from my point of view.

"If we can keep all our players, and there is no reason why we can't, then we will continue to progress.

"You can't afford good quality players to go out of your club if you can do something about it.

"We have moved to try to make sure Benni is secure here and he can now focus on his career until the end of his contract."

More news from SportingLife.com