GRAEME Souness has targeted Turkish star Tugay Kerimoglu as the final piece in his promotion jigsaw.

But the Ewood chief's hopes of landing the Rangers midfielder look set to be scuppered by work permit problems.

Souness had an agreement in place with the Scottish giants to sign the 30-year-old in a deal believed to be worth around £1.8 million.

But, after meeting with the player's agent yesterday, any possible move looks set to be shelved because of complications regarding a permit.

"It's a difficult one," said Rovers chief executive John Williams today.

"We met the player's representative yesterday but the work permit situation is going to be very difficult.

"We'll seek some advice but, at the moment, it looks like one that cannot be done."

The news has come as a blow to Souness who wants to beef up his midfield resources ahead of a busy festive programme.

"He's someone I've worked with in the past and I know he's a top man," said Souness.

"But we found out yesterday that, after playing in Euro 2000 he then fell out with his international coach, so he hasn't played the required number of games.

"So I don't think we've any chance of doing it now."

Souness knows all about Tugay's capabilities after he was captain of Turkish giants Galatasaray during his time there as manager.

Last season he then joined Rangers in a £1.3 million deal but his appearances at Ibrox have been limited this term, despite earning rave reviews for his Champions League performance as a sweeper in Monaco. He is also vastly experienced at international level, having captained his country on a number of occasions.

But, under the rules regarding permits, players must have appeared in 75 per cent of their nation's matches over the last two years.

And Tugay has only appeared in around 64 per cent as a result of being dropped from the national side following his summer bust-up.

"We had been negotiating with Blackburn and the basis of a deal had been agreed," said Rangers chairman David Murray.

"But the deal has collapsed because of the work permit situation."

Souness will continue to look for extra midfield cover, however, after recently off-loading both Lee Carsley and Billy McKinlay.

He does have other options in mind and ran the rule over a target during Everton's clash with West Ham at the weekend.

"I just feel I need to strengthen the midfield -- that's the one piece left in the jigsaw this season," said Souness.

"I'm after someone who can be a sitter and a passer and that will also give us more competition for places.

"We are looking at a couple of things but I'd probably favour a loan at this stage."

Meanwhile, Christian Dailly continues to attract interest from a number of clubs as his chances of a first team return at Ewood look increasingly bleak.

Former Academy starlet Martin Taylor got the nod ahead of the Scottish international in the absence of Craig Short on Sunday and enhanced his growing reputation with an outstanding performance.

Bradford are the latest club to be linked with Dailly although there has been no official contact from the Bantams.

"We've not heard anything directly from Bradford but there is some interest in Christian Dailly," said Williams.

Rovers' Youth team are in action against Northampton at the Sixfields Stadium tomorrow night in the third round of the FA Youth Cup (kick off 7pm).