BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes intends to make Shabani Nonda his first major signing of the summer.

The Rovers chief is convinced the DR Congo international will score goals in the Premier League next season, and he is ready to stump up the £2 million required to make his loan move from Roma a permanent arrangement.

The 30-year-old former Monaco star has enjoyed mixed fortunes since he joined Blackburn on a season-long loan last August, scoring eight goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.

However, Hughes believes there is still more to come from the striker, who likes to be known by his middle name, Chris, and he reckons he could flourish next year with a full pre-season under his belt.

"We are going to try and do something with Chris," said Hughes, who shrewdly agreed a price to buy the striker as part of the original loan negotiations with Roma last summer.

"I think he is one of those players that next year will come through.

"He'll be a lot stronger and we're going to try and sign him if we can."

Hughes spent the best part of two years tracking Nonda before he finally brought him to Ewood last summer.

Since then, the African's form has been erratic, but Hughes has seen enough to believe he can be a force next season, having become acclimatised to English football.