BLACKBURN Rovers target Jermaine Jones is expected to be back in the Premier League next season – but Steve Kean has a fight on his hands to secure his Ewood Park return.

The Schalke midfielder impressed during a loan spell at Rovers at the end of last campaign and is understood to have his heart set on returning to England’s top flight on a more permanent basis.

Schalke are now prepared to sell the all-action American this summer to ease their wage bill, but a keen Rovers look set to face fierce competition for his signature.

The 29-year-old is currently putting his future to the back of his mind to concentrate on the United States’ Gold Cup campaign, with a quarter final against Jamaica in Washington on Sunday.

There are a plethora of Bundesliga clubs interested in taking Jones of Schalke’s hands but, after enjoying his first taste of the Premier League last season, he now wants to make England his more permanent base.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has already indicated he will open talks with Schalke within the next couple of weeks but sources close to the player now believe there are English rivals also waiting to swoop.

Jones enjoyed his time at Ewood Park under Steve Kean last season but would be tempted by a club with European involvement next season with both Stoke and Fulham rumoured to be monitoring his situation.

Jones made 15 Premier League starts for Rovers last season and, after a slow start, established himself as a fans favourite with a series of swashbuckling displays.

He and Steven Nzonzi struck up and encouraging partnership in the heart of the midfield with Kean hoping to continue that solid base next season to exploit the pace of wingers Martin Olsson and Junior Hoilett.

Kean will know the signing of Jones still hangs in the balance and is already considering other midfield targets should they fail to land their man.