BLACKBURN Rovers' attempts to re-sign Tugay could be scuppered by a mystery Premiership rival.

As I understand it, Rovers have yet to agree terms with the former Turkish international in regard to a new contract.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness has offered the 33-year-old a one-year extension with further options tied in.

But Tugay is holding out for a two-year deal and his representatives claim another Premiership club are ready to step in and offer the former Galatasaray and Rangers star what he wants.

Although Rovers are still confident of striking a deal to keep the classy midfielder at Ewood next season, the club's chief executive, John Williams, today admitted he's not in a position to guarantee that at this stage.

"We do have a dilemma with Tugay, there's no question about that," said Williams.

"We are talking to his people and we would hope that Tugay will be in a Rovers shirt next season, but I'm not prepared to guarantee that.

"I don't want to go too deeply into specifics but we are prepared to guarantee him another year, perhaps with some options.

"Naturally, though, Tugay's people have to do the best for him as well so there is some clear water between usbut I still think the gap can be narrowed and met."

Tugay has been a firm fans' favourite at Ewood since he arrived in a bargain £1.3 million deal from Rangers three years ago - and last night he was awarded the club's player-of-the-year award.

In his first season, he played a leading role in Rovers' charge to the Worthington Cup final and was instrumental in helping the club to a top 10 Premiership finish.

Last season, he was also one of the leading lights as Rovers grabbed sixth spot and a place in Europe.

This term, his form has been more sporadic but he saved some of his best performances for the final third of the season when Rovers secured the points they needed to safeguard their Premiership future.

Nevertheless, the Turk still completed a notable double last night when he picked up the club's corporate player of the year award to add to the Peter White Memorial Trophy which he received on Saturday for the best goal of the season.

Williams added: "What can you say about Tugay?"

"He's had three very good years for the club and he's turned out to be a great buy for £1.3 million.

"We'd like him in a Blackburn shirt again next season but the deal is slightly problematic at the moment."

In the meantime, Rovers remain confident that Jonathon Douglas will sign a new contract with the club.

The 22-year-old midfielder is currently away with the Republic of Ireland but he has indicated he's ready to follow in Craig Short's footsteps by committing his future to Rovers when he returns.

Douglas was one of three players whose contracts were due to expire this summer, the others being Short and Tugay.

"The facts are one out of three is done, I think two out of three will be, and we are currently working on Tugay," added Williams.