Blackburn Rovers legend Tugay is interested in becoming Steve Kean’s new assistant manager as the search for Paul Clement’s successor continues.

Sources close to the Turkish international have told the Lancashire Telegraph the former Ewood favourite would relish a return to East Lancashire and is likely to put his name forward for the role.

It is understood manager Kean is already aware of Tugay’s interest but he has a number of other potential candidates already in his mind.

Another Rovers legend Derek Fazackerley has been touted as a possible candidate, along with ex- player Chris Coleman, but Kean is determined to play his cards close to his chest before making an appointment.

First team coach Iain Brunskill is also understood to be in the frame for the position as Kean looks for the right man to help Rovers out of the Premier League mire.

Clement was Rovers’ second assistant manager to leave the club this season after John Jensen was bizarrely sacked less than four months ago.

Former Chelsea coach Clement has teamed up with Carlo Ancelotti at French giants Paris St Germain after compensation between the two sides was agreed earlier this week.

Tugay is currently head of Galatasaray’s academy and his return to Ewood Park would be a huge boost for a frustrated Ewood Park faithful.

The 41-year-old made almost 250 league appearances for Rovers between 2001 to 2009 and earned cult hero status at the club for his range of passing.

Meanwhile Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts remains in limbo as uncertainty continues to shroud his Rovers career.

It is understood boss Kean would still like to include the 33-year-old in his squad but has been told he can’t due to a clause in Roberts’ contract that would guarantee him another year at the club.

The former Wigan, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol Rovers man is desperate to be able to play a part in Rovers’ relegation battle but has been frozen out of first team affairs.

Roberts is still training with Rovers as he waits for a definitive answer from someone at the club about his future.

Former Spanish international Michel Salgado is another who remains frozen out of first team affairs due to ‘contractual issues’ although he has also revealed his frustration at not being allowed to be involved.

* A group of Rovers supporters are staging a 24 hour protest against owners Venky’s, starting at Ewood Park tomorrow, before going on a protest march before Saturday’s Premier League visit of Fulham.