BLACKBURN Rovers were still sweating on their bid for Rangers star Barry Ferguson as they prepared for tonight's Premiership showdown with Manchester City at Ewood.

Ewood chief executive John Williams faxed a written offer -- believed to be in the region of £6 million -- for the 25-year-old on Friday.

But Rovers were waiting for a response from the Scottish champions this morning -- even though they had been promised an answer over the weekend.

"We made a written offer on Friday which was acknowledged and we are now waiting for an official reply," said Williams today.

Rangers chairman John McClelland has confirmed the Glasgow giants are now resigned to losing their skipper.

But Rovers may face competition from a Premiership rival for his signature with reports in Scotland suggesting another club has entered the frame.

Ferguson played in Rangers' 5-2 victory over Hibernian on Saturday but, following further talks between the player and the club, it was then decided by the board to accept the player's transfer request and formally invite offers.

McClelland said: "We concluded that it is quite clear that Barry does wish to leave the club and reluctantly concluded that we would let him go.

"We have got to consider his request and would consider what we would regard as reasonable bids for Barry Ferguson."

Martin Bain, director of football business at Ibrox, added: "Barry will go to the highest bidder but only if the bid is suitable to Rangers Football Club."

Liverpool, Manchester City and Everton have all been linked with moves for Ferguson in recent weeks.

But it's debatable whether any could match Rovers' current spending power in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Rovers are busy preparing for tonight's clash against City (8pm).

And striker Matt Jansen is ready to gun down Kevin Keegan's Blues after scoring his first Premiership goal in 16 months in the 2-2 draw against Bolton on Saturday.

"It's a massive thing for me to score again in the Premiership," said Jansen.

"If I had gone a few games without scoring people might have said I was doing well, but it would have become an issue for me.

"The last year has been the most frustrating time of my career. There were times when I would think I had turned the corner and I would just get down again.

"It has been one hell of a rollercoaster, but I have been lucky to have had the tremendous support of my family and friends.

"My biggest struggle has been getting my confidence back, but I've now had the all-clear from neurosurgeon and I'm getting back on my feet again.

"I felt I had to score and get myself off the mark and I'm so glad I scored on Saturday.

"Hopefully, it will be enough for me to keep my place against Manchester City tonight."

Souness looks set to name a similar squad to the one which was on duty at the Reebok.

City, meanwhile, will be without Robbie Fowler who picked up a rib injury at the weekend.

Paolo Wanchope looks set to start up front alongside Nicolas Anelka instead.

Rovers U19s won 2-0 at Birmingham on Saturday as they got the new season off to a winning start.