Sources: Blackburn Rovers advance in talks to agree Kristi Montgomery deal

Blackburn Rovers are advancing in talks over a new deal for highly-rated midfielder Kristi Montgomery, sources have told Football Insider.

The Championship side took up an option on the 22-year-old's contract in May to keep him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2027.

However, they are now keen to tie the Scotland U21 international down to a longer-term deal.

Montgomery has attracted interest from a number of clubs at home and abroad this summer, but the player is keen on signing a new deal.

He is understood to be happy at Ewood Park and is excited about the project building at the club.

The prospect of working under Tony Mowbray is also of huge appeal to the youngster, after he returned to the dugout at Ewood at the start of June.

Blackburn eyeing Championship progress under Tony Mowbray

Blackburn will have their eyes on significant progress on the pitch this term, after they only narrowly avoided relegation to League One last time out.

A run of just one win in their final six league games left them hovering just above the bottom three in 20th, but that is likely to change under Mowbray.

Montgomery caught the eye during a breakthrough campaign with his boyhood club, as he turned in several impressive displays in the middle of the park.

The starlet turned out 23 times in the Championship, and has done enough for the club to feel ready to reward him with a long-term contract.

Mowbray sees Montgomery as a crucial part of his plans for the team moving forward, and Blackburn are now moving to tie him down for the foreseeable future.

Blackburn battling Sheffield Wednesday for Joe Taylor

Football Insider revealed earlier in June that Blackburn are fighting with Sheffield Wednesday to sign Huddersfield striker Joe Taylor this summer.

The 23-year-old Welshman starred in League One on loan at Wigan Athletic last term, as he netted 11 goals in just 21 games for the Latics.

Blackburn are keen to offer him the chance to play Championship football next term, having been impressed with what they have seen from the frontman.

However, they will have to fend off the ambitious Sheffield Wednesday if they are to secure his services, with the Owls set to push for automatic promotion from League One.