Double transfer blow for Souness

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness was today facing up to a double disappointment in the transfer market.

Souness has already virtually given up hope of signing USA striker Brian McBride and has now had an approach for Middlesbrough’s teenage left winger Stewart Downing knocked back.

Rovers are short of strikers and midfielders following the departures of Corrado Grabbi and Dino Baggio to Italy, and injuries to key players.

Meanwhile, Birmingham have been told to up a £1.5m (€2.2m) bid for Rovers defender Martin Taylor to £2m (€2.9m) if they want to sign him.