BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has been scuppered in his attempts to generate more cash for new faces after a deal to off-load Dino Baggio fell through.

Serie A side Ancona were interested in taking Baggio back to Italy for the remainder of the season and the two clubs had agreed a deal in principle.

However, the former Italian international has put a block on any move, deciding instead to stay and fight for his place at Ewood.

That means Souness has seen another possible avenue close in his quest to free-up vital cash in the budget.

Although a deal for Baggio would not have generated any extra money for transfers, it would have freed-up another wage, which might have enabled him to bring in a player on loan or a possible free-transfer signing.

Norwegian international midfielder Martin Andresen is currently on trial at Rovers with a view to a possible move.

But Souness also wants to add another striker to his injury-ravaged squad to provide extra competition for places up front.

Rovers are one of the few clubs who have already been active during the transfer window.

Souness paid £150,000 to sign Peter Enckelman from Aston Villa after the recruitment of a new keeper became a priority once it was clear that Alan Kelly would be sidelined for some time with a finger injury.

Meanwhile, former Blackburn midfielder David Dunn has urged Steve Bruce to keep plugging away in his pursuit of Rovers defender Martin Taylor.

Birmingham boss Bruce made two separate enquiries for the 24-year-old last week only to be told by Rovers that he wasn't for sale.

However, Dunn believes his manager at St Andrew's should not give up in his quest to land the former England Under 21 international.

"Tiny's a good player," said Dunn. "People often think he's a big lump because he's so tall but that's the furthest from the truth.

"I'm not sure how Blues fans will take this, but he's got more tricks than me!

"Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I don't know," Dunn joked.

"He's very good on the ball, he knows how to use it, and I can understand why the gaffer's after him.

"He would be a great addition to our squad."

Dunn spoke to Taylor over the weekend after stories of Birmingham's interest emerged in the media.

But the 6ft 4in defender did not give his former team-mate any clues as to whether he would be keen on a move or not if Rovers decided to listen to offers.

"I spoke to him on Saturday and he's aware of what's happening but he's in a position where he can't really say much. It's down to Blackburn," Dunn added.

Rovers' reserves are in action at Aston Villa tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Alan Murray's men return to league action after a month of inactivity over the Christmas period.