BLACKBURN transfer target David Thompson today pleaded with Coventry City to make a decision on his future 'one way or the other' as he clings to his dream of a return to the Premiership.

As we revealed at the start of the summer, Rovers boss Graeme Souness would love to add the former Liverpool midfielder to his squad before the big kick-off in 11 days time.

But City chief Gary McAllister has so far priced the 23-year-old out of a move to Ewood by slapping a £3 million-plus price-tag on his head.

And the whole situation now appears to be frustrating the player who wants his future resolved as soon as possible.

"I know the club is in a difficult situation -- but all the speculation is very unsettling," said Thompson.

"I just want it all sorted out sooner rather than later."

Despite the recruitment of Dwight Yorke, Sebastian Pelzer and Andy Todd for a combined total of £3 million, Souness wants to make one more addition before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

And Thompson remains the man at the top of his list but City's value of the player has so far put the mockers on a move.

Souness may now have to offload a couple of fringe players before he can come back with another offer.

As I understand it, he has already tried to offer City both Alan Mahon and John Curtis as part of a swap deal for Thompson.

But the Sky Blues rejected that idea because of fears surrounding the player's wage demands.

In the meantime, Rovers will step up their pre-season preparations tonight when they travel to Blackpool for their penultimate friendly (kick-off 7.45pm).

World Cup stars Brad Friedel, Tugay and Hakan Unsal are all set to return for the game after missing the club's pre-season tour of Austria and Germany.

But skipper Garry Flitcroft and striker Matt Jansen have both been ruled out through injury.

Rovers' squad is likely to be: Friedel, Neill, Unsal, Pelzer, Short, Berg, Todd, Dunn, Tugay, Duff, Gillespie, Yorke, Cole, Grabbi, Hignett, Curtis, Mahon, Danns, Douglas, Taylor, Johansson, Kelly.