Blackburn and Leicester lock horns in battle to make Ince their next Guv'nor

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Ince, currently on holiday in Portugal, is set to realise his dream of finally managing in the Premier League, after two impressive seasons as boss of MK Dons and Macclesfield.

The Mirror reports that Rovers are ready to offer him a three-year deal to continue the work started by his former Manchester United team-mate.

Ex-Blackburn striker Alan Shearer is the other name on a two-man short-list.

Two-time winner: Paul Ince won a title and a cup with MK Dons last season - now he could be moving on

But Leicester City last night emerged as shock rivals to sign the highest-profile manager in the lower divisions, when they approached MK Dons for Ince.

The Foxes made their move after learning of the interest in Ince from Rovers and fearing they would lose out - but MK Dons have vowed to fight to keep their man.

A statement last night read: "The club can confirm that Leicester City have made an official approach to speak to Paul Ince. As has been well documented, this is not the first time we have had to deal with interest in his services."

But privately they realise they are powerless to prevent Ince from accepting a post that will catapult him into the big time with Rovers.

And Ince - who called himself The Guv'nor when a player at Manchester United - is likely to take his No.2 Ray Mathias to Blackburn, should he agree a deal.

Last season Ince steered MK Dons to promotion with a month to spare, sealed the League Two title and clinched the Johnstone's Paints Trophy.

During the 2006-07 season he had kept a struggling Macclesfield in the division, rescuing them from a position of turmoil after he joined.