Blackburn line up Graham Souness to replace soon-to-be-sacked boss Paul Ince

Blackburn Rovers are ready to sack Paul Ince - and Graeme Souness is in the frame to take his job. Ince faces the axe next week, regardless of today's result at Liverpool, with chairman John Williams checking the availability of out-of-work Souness and Sam Allardyce.

Former boss Souness could do a rescue job alongside fans' favourite Tugay, possibly for the rest of the season only, with his knowledge of the club and players vital in this time of crisis.

The Scot would answer 'yes' to Rovers and is happy to link up with Tugay. Souness signed the popular Turk from Rangers and is well-liked by supporters, who have been on Ince's back in recent weeks.

The former Rangers and Liverpool boss is also a free agent and lives locally, which ticks a lot of the right boxes - although there is boardroom backing for Allardyce too.

Allardyce is also in the frame for the Sunderland job, while Souness is free and keen to return to the club he took to promotion, a League Cup win and Europe.

Rovers officials believe Allardyce may go to Sunderland. He is desperate for the Wearside post and was interviewed for the Blackburn job last summer but that fell through due to a fan backlash.

Big Sam's hesitancy over Rovers leaves the door open even wider for Souness. There are no other outstanding candidates at the moment.

News that Rovers are already working on Ince's replacement casts a shadow over today's Liverpool game.

Ince's fate was sealed after the Carling Cup defeat by Manchester United when Rovers officials began to consider other options.

The club's fans have also turned against Ince and he was under pressure to deliver today - but the decision has seemingly already been taken.

Problems have been brewing for weeks, with Ince keen to bring in new players in the transfer window but the club's bean counters were reluctant to release any cash.

It is now going to be an awkward few days for Rovers, who badly need to avoid the drop - with their owners looking for a buyer and money tight.

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