Blackburn chairman John Williams has revealed that Rovers will extend veteran defender Andre Ooijer's contract by a further 12 months.

The Dutchman's current deal is set to run out at the end of the season but Rovers had the right to exercise an option of another year.

The Holland international, 33, has been linked with a return to his homeland this term with Feyenoord and Ajax reportedly monitoring the situation closely but he will now remain at Ewood Park for the foreseeable future.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes has been impressed with Ooijer's performances for Blackburn this season and has no intention of letting him go.

"We had until March 31 to exercise the option but we have decided to do it now because Andre has been brilliant for us," Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"When we negotiated the original deal, we always felt that was something that we'd want to do and who is to say Andre won't be with us for many more years to come?"