EL-HADJI Diouf is considering staying at Blackburn Rovers for another season despite being told he would not be in manager Steve Kean’s first team plans.

Diouf looked certain for an Ewood exit this summer after Kean revealed he would not start ahead of Junior Hoilett, Martin Olsson or Brett Emerton, but sources close to the player insist he will not be forced out.

The controversial winger spent the last four months on loan at Scottish Premier League champions Rangers and admitted afterwards he would have loved a return to Ibrox.

Rangers boss Ally McCoist is pursuing other options though and will not look to secure the permanent return of the Senegalese international.

It is understood Rovers are still wanting a fee for Diouf’s services, understood to be between £500,000 to £750,000, putting a number of interested parties off making a move.

The 30-year-old still has a year left on his Rovers contract, having signed from Sunderland for a fee in the region of £1.5m in January 2009, and is now considering seeing out his Ewood Park contract.

Diouf believes by staying at Rovers until next summer his options will vastly increase with clubs able to sign him on a free transfer.

It is understood the player is hoping he will ultimately be made a free agent this summer but Rovers believe there is still value to be had in the player.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has been linked with a move for the player he managed at both Bolton and Rovers but it is understood he would only consider a move for him on a free transfer.

Diouf’s representatives are likely to seek talks with Rovers in the coming weeks to resolve their player’s future.

Another possible option would be allowing Diouf to move out on loan again next season, although any interested club would be expected to pay the player’s wages.

Since signing in 2009, Diouf has made more than 50 appearances for the club and has made headlines both on and off the field.

The majority of Rovers fans have taken the player to their hearts for his industrious performances and his passion for the blue and white shirts.

His explosive personality has also seen him attract his share of negative headlines with Diouf never far away from the centre stage.