BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today said UEFA's proposal to revamp the current transfer system will not unduly affect his planning for next season, writes ANDY NEILD.

In a bid to create greater harmony across Europe, UEFA want to introduce transfer windows next season which would seriously restrict the activities of Premier League clubs when it comes to buying and selling players.

However, the controversial proposals have already won the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson, the most influential manager in English football.

And Rovers chief Souness has also admitted he is not adverse to the plans as he prepares for a busy summer of transfer activity at Ewood.

"There's going to be a shake-up in the transfer system as we know it in terms of the fact there will be transfer windows next season," said Souness.

"But that won't unduly affect my preparations because I've already told the board of directors exactly what players I want.

"If we can afford them then great, and if we can't, we can't.

"But I certainly don't want another three months like the ones we've just had where we are sitting biting our finger nails.

"I don't want that, the board don't want that, and I'm sure the supporters don't want that either.

"That might mean we'll have to wheel and deal a bit over the summer but you are not going to achieve anything if you have to sell your better players, so that's the last thing we want to do."

Under UEFA's proposals, managers like Souness will have to conduct virtually all their transfer business by the end of August because they won't be able to add any further new signings during the course of the season other than during a special 'transfer window' spanning the month of January.

It's a system which is already successfully in operation elsewhere across the continent in countries like Italy.

The proposed changes will put greater emphasis on the clubs themselves to assemble a squad capable of withstanding any eventuality right from the word go.

But Souness -- a man renowned for his ability to wheel and deal in the transfer market -- is confident he can add the new faces he needs over the next couple of months whether the system changes or not.

Meanwhile, Souness is optimistic Rovers will off-load Ciccio Grabbi this summer.

The £6.75 million striker is currently on loan at Serie B side Messina who have an option to buy him in the summer.

And Souness believes they will exercise that right if they win their battle against relegation.

"My man in Italy says Messina want to buy him but they are currently fighting to stay in Serie B," said Souness.

"If they stay up then I think they will look to buy him."

ROVERS have officially released Simon Grayson and James Thomas after their contracts came to an end.

Thomas is currently being targeted by his old club Swansea while Grayson has received several offers to play abroad.