Back Grabbi says Souey

The former Juventus star's future at Ewood remains the subject of intense speculation, despite him publicly declaring he wants to stay earlier this week.

And Souness has now pleaded with fans to give him the time he needs to settle in.

"Ciccio wears his heart on his sleeve," said Souness.

"He's said he wants to be here and he wants to be successful but he knows his career has not got off the ground yet for three different reasons.

"I think him and his family have found it difficult to settle.

"Then, at the same time, he had to cope with the arrival of a new baby.

"Even if you've lived in the same house all your life, that's a difficult time.

"But he's moved to another country, he's trying to learn a different language, and he then got an injury and an illness on top.

"So it's been stop-start for him.

"But I believe he still has all the equipment he needs to succeed here.

"If you look at all the games he has played for us he has looked threatening in every game.

"So I hope he does settle down and gets himself fully fit and shows the Blackburn public what he's capable of."

Grabbi continues to be linked with a move back home and Serie B promotion contenders Napoli are at the head of the queue for his services.

They are thought to be ready to come in with a £6 million bid when the Italian transfer window opens next week.

But Souness insists Rovers will not contemplate selling him until a concrete offer is made.

"He knows there's been interest in him back home but, until we get an offer on the table, it's not even worth talking about."

Should Grabbi follow Bent out of the Ewood exit door, Souness would then have close to £10 million to spend on reinforcements.

Inter Milan star Hakan Sukur is the name currently thought to be at the top of his list after he recently missed out on Robbie Fowler.

And there could be movements on that front next week as Souness looks to bolster his resources ahead of the visit of Fowler and Leeds United next Sunday.