BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Lee Carsley was today mulling over a return to the Premiership with Coventry City.

The Sky Blues have a made new enquiry about the Republic of Ireland international.

And, as I understand it, a deal for the 26-year-old could even be thrashed out by the end of the day as Gordon Strachan looks to bolster his midfield resources.

Coventry's interest in the player first became apparent in the summer after Carsley indicated he wanted a return to the Premiership.

But a proposed swap deal involving Noel Whelan was subsequently knocked back by Rovers and Strachan decided to focus his attention elsewhere.

Since then, however, the Sky Blues have tried to lure him again but Ewood chief Graeme Souness blocked the move, insisting the player was staying put.

But, after a heart-to-heart earlier this week, Souness has now agreed to let his former captain go.

"We have an agreement in place with Coventry," said Souness.

"So it's now up to the player to decide what he wants to do."

As I understand it, Carsley met Sky Blues officials yesterday.

And, subject to a couple of personal things being ironed out, a deal in the region of £2-2.5 million could be wrapped up by the end of the day.

A move back to his native Midlands would certainly seem to suit the player who has made no secret of his desire for Premiership football.

With skipper Garry Flitcroft and England Under international David Dunn currently Souness's first choice pairing, Carsley has become increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities.

But, the prospect of losing his place in the Ireland squad is thought to have finally forced his hand. Republic boss Mick McCarthy recently warned the likes of Carsley, Jason McAteer and Alan Kelly that they all needed to be playing regular first team football to be guaranteed a place in his squad.