BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is ready to open talks with Tugay over a new contract.

The former Turkish international midfielder's present deal is due to expire in the summer.

But Souness has revealed he wants to offer new contracts to both Tugay and Craig Short as he tentatively starts planning for next season.

"We'll be offering both of them a contract at the end of the season," said Souness today.

"They are two proper professionals and, as a manager, you want to work with proper people and they're two proper people.

"Obviously, because of their age, we'd be looking to strengthen in both of those areas at the end of the season, so I wouldn't see them both playing every week next year.

"But I'd still like them around the place."

Tugay has proved to be a popular figure with Blackburn fans since he joined the club from Rangers three years ago.

And although his form has dipped this season, Souness still believes the 33-year-old can do a job in the Premiership for another couple of seasons.

Several clubs in Turkey are also reported to be interested in talking to the former Galatasaray star.

But Souness hopes his powers of persuasion will be enough to convince the veteran playmaker to extend his stay at Ewood.

"Tugay likes England and he likes this football club, too, so if we can make it attractive enough for him, then I'd like him to stay," added Souness.

Meanwhile, Souness is also hoping to tie-up a deal which would see Short finish his career with Rovers, as we revealed earlier in the week.

The 35-year-old's current contract is also due to expire in the summer but he wants to play on for one more year and Souness would be happy if that was with Rovers.

"Shorty's a throw-back, he's your old school, both in the way he trains and how he is on a Saturday," said the Rovers boss.

"He treats every game as if it's his last and what else can you ask for as a manager?

"He's a Richard Gough, he's a Ray Wilkins, he's a Terry Butcher -- he's in that mould.

"And those types of players are few and far between.

"The reason they go on playing well into their 30s is they've got such a wonderful attitude to the game.

"They realise these are the best days of your life and they want to hold on for as long as they can."