ROVERS' hopes of landing former Aston Villa ace Savo Milosevic were today hanging by a thread after a new twist in the transfer saga over the weekend.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness wants to sign the Yugoslav on loan after scouring Europe in his search for extra firepower.

But his chances of bringing him to Ewood may now have been dashed after the 28-year-old was handed a recall by new Parma coach Pietro Carmignani yesterday.

Now Milosevic has stated he would prefer to stay in Italy and fight for his place rather than make the move back to England.

But Rovers have still not given up on the possibility of a deal and hope to get an answer from the Serie A strugglers later this week.

"I think it could be after the Christmas games now before we hear anything," said chief executive John Williams today.

"Given the fact they've just got a new coach in, I think that means it could be a delayed decision." Rovers were first alerted to Milosevic's availability after the Yugoslav had fallen out of favour under Argentinian coach Daniel Passarella.

However, Passarella was subsequently sacked earlier this week and his replacement, Carmignani, then handed him a recall for yesterday's 2-0 win over Fiorentina.

"Passarella didn't want me but now it looks like Carmignani does," said Milosevic.

"I never fought with Passarella. I only spoke to him a couple of times and never about football.

"Honestly, I would prefer to stay here rather than join Blackburn.

"I'm not someone who jumps ship as soon as there is a problem but the club have to make the final decision.

"We will have to wait and see what happens."

Milosevic started yesterday's game but was substituted after 67 minutes and his replacement, Emiliano Bonazzoli, then promptly changed the game with the opening goal three minutes later.

However, Milosevic seems determined to make the most of his second chance and believes his return could help to spark a revival in the club's ailing fortunes.

"Things can change very quickly in football," said Milosevic.

"I haven't commented on my personal problems before because Parma are in a difficult enough situation as it is.

"I prefer to wait in silence because the team is more important than me.

"It is true that we had lost six games on the trot but I only played in one of them so I can't really be held responsible.

"Maybe my return could help the team turn things around."

TURKISH midfield ace Tugay misses the Boxing Day clash with Sunderland through suspension and Garry Flitcroft now faces a one match ban, too, after picking up his fifth caution of the season at The Valley.