INFLUENTIAL midfielder David Dunn is hoping to put pen to paper on a new contract with Rovers by the end of the week.

The England Under 21 international has been in talks with the club about extending his existing contract which runs out in 2003.

But, though the 21-year-old is happy to commit himself to the club for the foreseeable future, he has warned he may ultimately have to consider a move if Rovers don't achieve their goal of promotion in the next three years.

"Blackburn Rovers football club is very special to me and I want to stay loyal to them," said Dunn.

"I have no intention of moving because I firmly believe we'll be a major force again soon.

"My whole family are supporters of the club and I've lived here all my life.

"Having said that, you can only stay loyal to a club for so long.

"Matt Le Tissier stayed with Southampton when he had a number of opportunities to leave because he loved the club.

"But some people thought that wasn't good for his career.

"I'll fight for the next three years if that's what it takes.

"But, if I'm not playing Premier League football by the time I'm 23, then I'll have to seriously consider a move if the offer comes in.

"I love it Blackburn and I've supported them all my life but I have to look after myself as well and do what's best for me.

"At the moment, I'm confident that we'll get promoted but if, after a few seasons, the club hasn't moved up then obviously I've got to look at my future.

"Just look at Kieron Dyer. He was at Ipswich and he tried his hardest to get them promoted but when that didn't come off he moved on.

"Now he's flying at Newcastle and in the frame for a regular England place."

Dunn has firmly established himself as one of the leading figures in Rovers' resurgence under Graeme Souness.

Just 12 months after handing in a transfer request out of frustration at his lack of first team chances, he is now the club's joint leading scorer with 12 goals.

And his form since the back end of last season has resulted in him being appointed as captain of Howard Wilkinson's England Under 21 side.

That meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed among the Premier League's big guns with Manchester United and, more recently, Arsenal both linked with a move for one of Rovers' most prized assets.

But, though he is flattered by all the attention, he is ready to throw his

It's always nice to be linked says Dunn

"Last year I was being linked with a move to Manchester United and now Arsenal which is brilliant," said Dunn.

"It's always good to be linked with the top two clubs and you don't get much bigger than those two.

"Apparently, Graeme Souness turned down a £5 million bid from Alex Ferguson but I didn't hear anything about it.

"To be honest, I don't know what to believe. Some of it might be true but then again it may be a load of rubbish.

"If I was to move to a club like Manchester United or Arsenal I'd be confident I could hold down a regular place in the side.

"You have to believe in yourself and aim high.

"Of course, I have to consider my future with England and presumably I've got an advantage playing for England Under 21s as well.

"However, I don't think it will do my chances much good stuck in the First Division which is why it's important we get ourselves promoted."

Meanwhile, Nathan Blake is set to step up his comeback plans with a run out in the reserves tonight. Rovers' second string will play their first game in six weeks when they take on Everton at the Autoquest Stadium.

And Blake is hoping for his first competitive run out since mid-October when he underwent an operation on an Achilles injury.