OWEN Coyle is optimistic that Blackburn Rovers can secure an extended stay for Marvin Emnes until at least the end of the season following talks with Swansea.

Rovers continued their ongoing discussions with the Dutch striker’s parent club over the weekend and are hopeful of the player remaining at Ewood Park.

Emnes’ loan deal with Rovers expired on Sunday, but Coyle is keen to keep him in East Lancashire until at least the end of the season.

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Football Director Paul Senior has been locked in talks with Swansea over retaining the 28-year-old, whose contract at the Liberty Stadium expires in the summer, at Ewood Park following his initial six-month spell.

Rovers paid just a fraction of Emnes’ wages during his first loan stay, and hope to have struck another deal to keep him at the club to start off their January transfer business.

“Paul (Senior) had dialogue with Swansea over the weekend and hopefully we can get that sorted so that we can get Marvin for the rest of the season,” Coyle said.

“I would be hopeful that Marvin will be with us and we can look to add to the team.

“I think that’s one we should know sooner or later.”

Emnes joined Rovers on deadline day in September and scored three goals in his opening four outings.

He hasn’t found the net since his strike in the 2-1 win at Derby on September 24, but Coyle is keen to extend his stay at Ewood Park.

“When he came in he really set the place alight,” added Coyle.

“Then he got a couple of niggling injuries, but within that he has shown a lot of flashes.

“I’d love to get him back to that level as when he came in the door because he is a real difference maker, a real attacking threat at the top end of the pitch and he’s a different flavour from what the other players are.”

Coyle hopes Emnes, who came off the bench in the 3-2 defeat at Ipswich on Saturday, can be the first of four deals he concludes before the transfer window shuts on January 31.

Anthony Stokes missed out on the Portman Road clash and the manager confirmed he was absent through injury.

“Stokes had a little niggle,” said Coyle. “He has to be focussed and tuned in every day to show the focus that he has.”