Blackburn Rovers will step up their attempts to persuade Lucas Neill to sign a new long-term contract as soon as the Australia defender arrives back from the World Cup.

Neill was instrumental in Rovers' surprise sixth-placed finish in the Premiership last season and was able to reproduce his club form on the international stage in Germany.

The tough-tackling 28-year-old's displays for the Socceroos attracted the attention of a number of leading European clubs, with Barcelona rumoured to be particularly keen to secure his services.

However, having already lost Craig Bellamy to Liverpool, Rovers chairman John Williams is determined to prevent another key player leaving Ewood Park.

''A contract is waiting for Lucas when he returns from holiday,'' Williams told the Daily Mirror. ''We are keen to start negotiations.''