BLACKBURN Rovers boss Graeme Souness has lined up Aussie superstar Brett Emerton as the man to replace David Dunn.

As I understand it, Souness is currently competing with a host of clubs for the 24-year-old's signature.

And his Dutch club Feyenoord last night admitted that they expect him to become a Premiership player in the next 72 hours.

Souness first tried to land Emerton two years ago just after Rovers won promotion to the top flight.

But his Dutch employers effectively priced him out of the market by demanding £8 million for the Australian international.

Since then, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been heavily linked with the player.

But Souness has been monitoring the situation discreetly in the background and now he's ready to launch a fresh bid to bring him to Ewood after his summer war chest has been boosted to the tune of £5.5 million following Dunn's sale to Birmingham.

Feyenoord are resigned to losing the player, who only has a year left to run on his contract.

And they are prepared to accept around half of the original £8 million asking price rather than run the risk of losing him for nothing in 12 months' time.

However, Souness faces a real battle to bring him to Ewood with most of the superpowers in English football also vying for his signature.

Feyenoord released an official statement last night which said: "The chances of Brett Emerton playing for the club next season are small.

"We are now negotiating with three English clubs over a transfer.

"With a fourth, Newcastle United, the chances have slimmed. The clubs know the requirements to land Emerton and we expect a final decision in a week."

Emerton has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premiership and the fact that his international team-mate, Lucas Neill, is happy and settled at Ewood may work in Rovers' favour.

"I've made no secret of my desire to play in the Premiership," said Emerton.

"I'm desperate to play in England. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I see how well players like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka have done with Leeds and I think 'Why can't I do the same'?

"The Premiership suits my game. It's pacy, physical and it's all about attacking football."