VINCE Grella will return to Blackburn Rovers for the new Premier League season after his £2million move to Galatasaray broke down yesterday afternoon.

A deal in principle had been agreed between the Turkish outfit and Rovers but, after a week of discussions, Galatasaray withdrew their offer after failing to agree personal terms.

Rovers were informed yesterday by Galatasaray that their interest in Grella was officially at an end, leaving Sam Allardyce having to look for a boost to his transfer kitty elsewhere.

Australian team mates Lucas Neill and Harry Kewell, both already at Galatasaray, were believed to have persuaded Grella a move to Turkey would be right for him.

Former Rovers legend Tugay, now working for Galatasaray’s youth section, also spoke out in favour of the transfer but after lengthy negotiations both parties have decided to move on.

Italian Serie A side Genoa are reported to also be interested in Grella but, with no other officials interest so far, Rovers expect Grella to report back to pre-season duty with them.

The news will come as a blow to Rovers boss Allardyce who was hoping to use the £2million transfer fee in his bid to bring a quality striker to Ewood Park.

He will now have to continue his search for extra firepower on the limited funds available, believed to be around £2.5million, or generate extra cash from sales elsewhere in the squad.

Grella was not being pushed out of Ewood Park though, with Allardyce confident the Australian midfielder could play a key role if he could put his injury problems behind him.

The money would have been more than welcome though, with his striker search looking increasingly tough, while the week-long on-off saga surrounding the transfer has proved hugely frustrating to everyone around Ewood Park.

Grella was signed by former Rovers boss Paul Ince two seasons ago but his Premier League contribution has been limited due to a series of niggly injuries.

He has made just 25 league starts in two whole seasons at Ewood Park and will now be desperate to show Rovers fans he can beat his injury troubles next season.