GRAEME Souness today quashed talk of a sensational return to his former club Galatasaray by revealing he is ready to commit his long-term future to Blackburn Rovers.

Speculation has grown in Turkey over the last few days that new UEFA Cup winners Galatasaray want the Scot back as manager to replace the departing Fatih Terim.

But, though the Ewood chief is flattered to have his name linked with the Turkish giants, he is relishing the challenge which lies ahead at Ewood.

And, provided he can deliver success to the club, he is already talking about extending his present deal with Rovers.

"The manager of Galatasaray has only just resigned and there are people out there making a link between me and the club," said Souness.

"But my future is firmly with Blackburn Rovers.

"I have signed a three year deal and I would like to sign for another three years after that because I want to get Blackburn back into the Premier League.

"I'm completely committed to the Blackburn cause."

Some sections of the national Press in Turkey have run quotes claiming Souness would be interested in a move back to Istanbul where he led Galatasaray to the Turkish Cup in 1996.

But, though Souness clearly enjoyed his taste of life in Turkey, he is totally focused on the challenge of re-establishing Rovers as a major force. "I enjoyed a fantastic year in Turkey -- it was a tremendous experience and I met some really great people," said Souness.

"It is a time in my life I will always remember.

"They are a big football club -- the Manchester United of Turkey -- and you don't quite realise how big they are until you have been part of the club.

"But all I can think about now is Blackburn Rovers and I wish the season was starting tomorrow because I believe I can get this club back into the top flight."

Meanwhile, Souness officially unveiled his first signing since joining Rovers when John Curtis was paraded at Brockhall yesterday.

The England Under 21 international has signed a four year contract following his £1.5m move from Manchester United.

And Souness was quick to state that his remaining transfer targets will be tried and tested players who he thinks can cut it in the First Division.

"We are going to go for players who we think are going to do a job to get us out of this league," said Souness.

"It's not all about going out and spending big money -- that guarantees you nothing.

"We have targeted players who we feel will get us out of the First Division.

"We are not thinking about Premier Leagues at the minute. "We are looking to sign players who have the know-all, the ability, and the guts to get us out of this division."

And Souness reiterated his stance that he is only interested in signing either English players or foreign players with English experience.

"I would endorse what Gianluca Vialli has said about his Chelsea team," said Souness.

"He has players there who don't know what it means to go Sheffield Wednesday or Middlesbrough on a wet Tuesday night.

"We are not in a position next year where we can say we will give this player a year to look at our game in the hope he will become a good player 12 months down the line.

"We need a squad of players who know exactly what it is all about from the very first game of the season.

"There will be no surprises for anyone.

"Everyone needs to know what's coming next year right from the off."

Rovers are still confident of landing Liverpool left-back Stig Inge Bjornebye.

And, though negotiations are still taking place, Souness believes the Norwegian international will opt for England rather than a move to Danish outfit Brondby.

Former Rovers midfielder Wayne Gill looks set to sign for Tranmere Rovers later this week.