BLACKBURN target Hakan Unsal could be in line for a shock debut in Sunday's Worthington Cup showdown with Spurs in Cardiff.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness is hoping to wrap up a cut-price deal for the Turkish international later today after opening talks with Galatasaray.

And, if a move can be sealed over the next 48 hours, then Souness will consider handing the 28-year-old a baptism of fire at the imposing Millennium Stadium.

"We are currently talking to Galatasaray who are over here for their game with Liverpool in the Champions League," said Souness.

"So, all being well, we hope to sort something out later today.

"And if we can get him registered in time, then he will be involved in some capacity in the final on Sunday.

"My aim is to get things done as quickly as possible and the fact we are now in talks with his club would suggest a deal is very close.

"But we are still waiting for permission to talk with the player."

Souness has been searching for a left-back for the best part of 12 months to provide competition for Stig Bjornebye.

And he knows all about Unsal's qualities after working with him during his time as manager of Galatasaray.

"I worked with him when he was 19 or 20 and he's a quick, aggressive full-back who likes to get forward," said Souness.

"I think he's got 55 caps for his country so he's a player with a wealth of experience.

"And, because he is out of contract in the summer, the beauty of this deal would be we'd be getting an international-class player for what amounts to a nominal fee."

Unsal, who is expected to be in Turkey's World Cup squad alongside Rovers star Tugay, has already expressed a desire to move to Ewood.

And providing his club give him permission to speak to Rovers later today, then a move looks a formality.

"There is a big possibility that I will wear the jersey of Blackburn," Unsal was quoted as saying on his own website.

"Blackburn Rovers and Galatasaray have agreed on my transfer.

"Now I will meet with Blackburn officials and I hope that I will play alongside Tugay."

Unlike the FA Cup, new signings do not have to be registered seven days prior to a Worthington Cup tie.

So, providing a deal is done before the weekend, Unsal would be eligible to face Spurs which is a very real possibility as Stig Bjornebye is currently ill.