BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was hoping to boost his striking options by sealing a loan deal for Spanish forward Yordi.

Reports in Spain last night suggested the Real Zaragoza forward is poised to join Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

And the 27-year-old front man could even be signed in time to go straight into the squad for Sunday's Worthington Cup showdown with Spurs at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Yordi, whose real name is Jorge Gonzalez, was due to fly into England today for a medical in Manchester.

And, providing that passes off without any hitches, he could link up with his new team-mates later tomorrow.

Although the deal is initially temporary, Rovers are believed to have negotiated an option to buy the player at any time before the the loan period runs out on 12 May.

The Spaniard is Zaragoza's current leading scorer having notched six goals from 18 appearances this season and he is said to be a big crowd favourite at the club.

However, his chances of playing regularly have recently been limited by the arrival of Savo Milosevic from Parma in January -- ironically, another former Rovers target.

And Souness could still make it a double swoop by completing the signing of Turkish international Hakan Unsal in time for the weekend.

As we revealed on Saturday, Rovers have opened talks with Galatasaray about a move for the 28-year-old full-back.

Expected to go to the World Cup with Turkey, Unsal is highly regarded back in his homeland and Souness knows all about him from his time as Galatasaray manager.

But due to his contract situation, Rovers are hoping to snap him up for a cut-price fee, likely to be in the region of £500,000.

Lengthy negotiations took place yesterday but Souness now faces a race against time to complete the deal in time for the player to be registered ahead of the Worthington Cup final, due to possible complications regarding a work permit.

Meanwhile, Alan Mahon is now back in training after missing the FA Cup defeat at Middlesbrough on Saturday through illness.

With Garry Flitcroft and Tugay both suspended for the Worthington Cup final, manager Graeme Souness is desperately short of midfield cover.

So news of Mahon's return will come as a welcome boost as the squad step up their preparations.

And full-back Stig Bjornebye is also thought to be on the mend after he, too, missed the Boro game through illness.

Rovers' reserve clash with Everton at Morecambe's Christie Park last night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.