Blackburn Rovers are expected to test Wolfsburg's resolve over midfielder Makoto Hasebe.

The 26 year-old, who has also attracted interest from Italy in recent months, agreed to a new contract which will keep him at Wolfsburg until 2012. But that isn't expected to put off Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.

"I feel very much at home at VFL Wolfsburg and with the fans. I like living here too," he told the club's official website.

"We have a wonderful team and I would very much like to play my part in ensuring that we quickly return to the European stage."

Allardyce has previous experience with Japanese stars, having brought Hidetoshi Nakata to England during his time in charge of Bolton Wanderers.