MARK Hughes has agreed a new deal with Blackburn Rovers.

The Lancashire Tele-graph understands the two parties have shaken hands on a new contract that will tie the Welshman to the club until the summer of 2010.

An official announcement is expected from Rovers today, confirming the finer details of the deal, but it is thought that Hughes has agreed a new three-year contract which contains a 12-month rolling element.

A Rovers source said: "This is a fantastic news, both for the club and for Mark.

"Several rounds of talks have taken place over the last few weeks and we are delighted to have reached an agreement, which is a sign of intent on the part of both parties."

The final details of the deal are believed to have been thrashed out during a meeting between Hughes and chairman, John Williams, earlier this week.

As well as demonstrating Hughes' long-term commitment to the club, the new contract means Rovers now have greater financial protection should anyone try to poach their inspirational manager in the future.

Hughes has worked a minor miracle at Ewood since replacing Graeme Souness in the Ewood Park hot-seat in September 2004.

In his first season as a Premier League manager, he successfully steered Rovers to safety after inheriting a squad that was floundering in the bottom three.

Then a year later, Hughes guided Rovers to sixth position and a place in the UEFA Cup.

Last term, Rovers finished in the top 10 in the Premiership again, and also embarked on their longest ever run in Europe.

Now Rovers are flying high again, thanks to their best start to a Premier League campaign since the title-winning season of 1994/95, and Hughes is widely-regarded as one of the best young British managers in the game.

l Defender Eddie Nolan has joined Hartlepool on a month's loan.