EWOOD chief Graeme Souness looks set to make his first signing since promotion in the next seven days as Rovers gear up for a return to the Premiership.

Republic of Ireland international Alan Mahon is ready to commit his long-term future to Rovers -- despite continued speculation linking him with a move to Celtic.

And Souness is confident of wrapping up a £1.5 million deal with Sporting Lisbon for the former Tranmere star before next week's promotion party at Ewood.

"Alan Mahon is a young left-sided midfield player who has done his stuff on the pitch since he came to the club," said Souness today.

"And off the pitch he has quickly established himself as one of the jokers in the pack so he's fitted in very, very well.

"Within a couple of weeks of him arriving both me and Tony Parkes said we'd like to do something permanent with him.

"He still has a bit to go and he's still learning what it's all about.

"But we've got to be happy with the contribution he's made since he joined us from Sporting and we're keen to keep him.

"And we are currently in the process of sorting something out so, hopefully, that should be done and dusted in the next few days."

Mahon's current loan agreement runs out at the end of the season.

But, despite reports suggesting he's a target for Martin O'Neill at Celtic, the 22-year-old midfielder is desperate to play in the Premiership and he sees his long-term future with Rovers.

"I've never played in the Premiership before and to get there with a team like Blackburn is something very, very special," said Mahon.

"They're a great bunch of lads here, it's a great set-up and Graeme Souness is a great manager.

"So I'm really looking forward to next season and I'd love to stay.

"I've enjoyed every minute of my time here and I've been made to feel welcome and settled.

"So, hopefully, something can be sorted out this week.

"There's a special spirit at the club and a special bond and I'd like to be a part of that in the Premiership."