GALATASARAY are planning a summer swoop for Blackburn Rovers’ midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen — with Ewood Park legend Tugay the driving force behind their interest.

Tugay, still an influential figure on the staff at the Turkish giants, has been alerted to the Norwegian’s potential availability due to his lack of action last season and is understood to have persuaded his bosses to consider a move for him.

Sources close to Galatasaray reveal Pedersen has been on their shopping list several times over the last couple of years and are now ready to test the waters for him once more.

The 29-year-old has been at Ewood Park for the last seven years but did struggle for regular first team football under Rovers boss Steve Kean last season.

Kean’s attempts to strengthen his midfield this summer will only make it more difficult for Pedersen next season, although Rovers are still understood to be keen to retain his services.

It would take a considerable bid from the Turks to even tempt Rovers into selling their versatile midfielder, having consistently beaten off serious interest over the last couple of years.

Pedersen himself is content with life in East Lancashire although was growing frustrated with his lack of starts during Rovers’ relegation fight last season.

After prolonged negotiations and substantial interest from elsewhere, he did sign a new four-year deal last May but continues to attract significant interest from the Premier League and beyond.

Pedersen’s agent Rune Hauge said no approach has yet been made from Galatasaray.

Rune Hauge, said: “Morten at the moment is preparing for a new season at Blackburn Rovers.”

Pedersen was brought to Rovers by Graeme Souness back in 2004 from Norwegian club Tromso and, after a slow start, established himself as one of the most consistent left midfielders in the Premier League.

He has been linked with several top clubs during his Rovers career, including supposed interest from Manchester United, but then saw his form dip.

Being moved into a more central role by former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce two seasons ago gave him a new lease of life, with his set pieces an integral part of Big Sam’s era.

Jermaine Jones’ and Steven Nzonzi’s central midfield partnership left Pedersen in the cold towards the end of the campaign and, with Kean hopeful to have both at Rovers again next season, he already faces serious competition for places next time round.