Sam Allardyce insists that he remains hopeful Morten Gamst Pedersen will sign a new contract.
Blackburn boss keen for winger to agree new deal
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce insists that he remains hopeful Morten Gamst Pedersen will sign a new contract.
The Norwegian winger is out of contract at the end of the season and is still to commit his future to the Ewood Park outfit.
Rovers have made no secret of their desire to keep him, but a host of rival clubs from around Europe are also showing a strong interest with Fenerbahce and Olympiakos reported to be leading the chase.
However, Allardyce is hoping that the 28-year-old will remain at Ewood Park.
"We have got negotiations ongoing, on a constant basis," said Allardyce.
"I'm hoping that by the middle of next week or the end of next week, we will have a decision one way or the other."
Unfortunate
Another player Allardyce is in talks with is Turkey's Yildiray Basturk.
Basturk arrived on a short-term deal from Stuttgart in January, but he is yet to play a game for Rovers.
"Yily has trained very hard and it is very unfortunate (for him) that because everyone has been doing so well in his short time here, it's been difficult to put him in to a Premier League game," he said.
"We want to protect our home record, win the game and keep our undefeated run going, so I will be picking the strongest side I can.
"Maybe later on, if we get three points against Everton, I can look at it against Wolves or Arsenal, or Villa after that.
"I haven't (made a decision yet). I'm really disappointed I haven't had the opportunity to let him show what he has got, but that is a fact of life."
