BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today hoping to get the green light in his bid to sign Celtic outcast Eyal Berkovic.

Ewood chief Souness has spoken to the player's agent about the possibility of landing the Israeli international on loan until the end of the season.

And he was hopeful of finding out today -- one way or the other -- whether it's worth pressing ahead with a move for a player he believes could hold the key to Rovers' promotion push.

"I've spoken to the player's agent and I've asked him to find out what the situation is," said Souness.

"So we'll have a better idea by the end of today as to whether or not it's a possibility.

"We need to know if he would fancy a loan deal and whether Celtic would be prepared to let him go.

"But, if we could get him, then I would see him as a valuable addition to the squad.

"Look at us last week against a team who sat in and got everyone behind the ball.

"That will happen again and again between now and the end of the season and I consider Eyal to be the best player I've ever worked with in terms of playing a killer pass and opening up defences.

"Obviously, the manager at Celtic feels he has better players in his position.

"But I've worked with him before and I know what he's capable of."

Berkovic is also believed to be a target for Everton boss Walter Smith.

But, though the Toffees will hope to lure him with the offer of Premiership football, Berkovic has worked with Souness before and has expressed his desire to link up with his former mentor again.

The player's solicitor, Yoel Goldberg, said: "Within a week, Eyal will be going to either Blackburn or Everton until the end of the season.

"But the deal will not be completed until Celtic announce they will honour his contract."

However, Celtic are unlikely to stand in the way of the player who has fallen out of favour under new boss Martin O'Neill.

Signed by John Barnes for a then club record £5.75 million, he initially made a big impact following his move from West Ham.

But the relationship has turned sour this season after O'Neill left him out of his plans.

And, with the player reputedly on around £28,000 a week, Celtic are desperate to cut their losses.

If Rovers were to get the go-ahead, then Souness would make his move with a view to a permanent deal.

But he may eventually have to cough up close to £4 million, depending on whether Rovers gained promotion or not.

Meanwhile, Souness has quashed reports suggesting he is ready to move for Berkovic's Celtic team-mate Paul Lambert.

"There's absolutely nothing in that whatsoever," said the Ewood chief.