BLACKBURN ROVERS chief executive John Williams has warned any clubs sniffing around the club's young stars to stay well away.

Leeds United manager David O'Leary has targetted three players he wants to buy this summer who, he says, are "under 25 and either English or Irish".

That led to speculation that the likes of Rovers stars David Dunn, Damien Duff and Matt Jansen might be on the O'Leary wish-list.

But Williams has moved swiftly to reassure the Ewood Park faithful that the club's young stars were staying put and ready to play a major part in the club's Premiership campaign next season.

"We have signed Dunn, Duff and Jansen on long term contracts to 2005," said Williams.

"We are building for the future and those three are very much an integral part of the strategy of that future.

"They are simply not for sale.

"Signing them on those contracts fits into the long term strategy we have in operation at the club.

"All three have signed contracts which keep them at the club for a similar time scale.

"So that means Graeme Souness has the foundations in place to build for the future."

Williams and Rovers chairman Rob Coar were at a meeting of Premiership chiefs last week - along with United chairman Peter Ridsdale.

"I can assure you that Mr Ridsdale never mentioned buying any of our players," said Williams.

And the Rovers chief was quick to add that he didn't mention buying any of United's players either, quashing rumours that Jason Wilcox was on his way back to Ewood Park.

Wilcox, who played over 300 matches for Rovers after joining as a trainee, was sold to Leeds in 1999 for £3m, but the form of Harry Kewell and Steve McPhail have meant his opportunities are limited and he could be on his way out of Elland Road this summer.

However, Williams denied that the ex-Rover would be returning, saying: "Wilcox is not a player that Graeme is looking to buy."

As we revealed again on Saturday, Dennis Wise will not be joing Rovers either despite being continuously linked with a move north, but Williams is more confident that Rangers midfielder Tugay will be donning a Rovers shirt next season.

The Turkish international played in two World Cup qualifiers last week, strengthening his claims for a work permit. The hearing with the Department of Employment is next week.