BLACKBURN Rovers have opened talks with defender Zurab Khizanishvili over signing a new deal.
The Georgian international, 26, still has 18 months to run on his current contract at Ewood Park, but the club is keen on extending those terms.
Khizanishvili, a £500,000 signing from Rangers, has only featured in three games for Rovers this season.
The Lancashire Telegraph understands that he has spoken to manager Mark Hughes to clarify his position, and during that conversation he was told that the club are willing to talk to him about extending his contract.
The two parties have since held initial talks, and are confident a deal can be struck.
Hughes likes the versatility of the defender, who can play at centre-half and at fullback.
Last season, he featured in 31 games for Rovers, but the emergence of Chris Samba at centre-half, and the form of Brett Emerton at right-back has pushed him down the pecking order.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article