BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is weighing up a move for Argentinian defender Gabriel Milito.

After scouring the world in his search for a new left-back, the Rovers chief has identified two targets he would be keen on landing when the Premiership transfer window opens in January.

And I can reveal that Independiente star Milito IS one of them, although Souness could be facing stiff competition from Leeds United for his signature if he decides to press ahead with a move for the player early next month.

Chief scout Terry Darracott recently flew to South America to watch Milito in action and the fact that he also operates as a central defender has made him even more attractive to Souness.

However, Leeds look to be in pole position as chairman Peter Ridsdale is already thought to have held talks with a middle man last week about a £4 million move to Elland Road.

United want to wrap up a deal as soon as possible in an effort to reverse a slump which has seen them crash to four successive Premiership defeats.

But manager Terry Venables is in a similar position to Souness in terms of the fact he may have to sell some fringe players in order to finance the deal.

If United win the race, then Rovers will switch their attentions to another target who is currently plying his trade in Europe.

Originally, Souness had hoped to buy British but, after being told by the board that he'll have to generate his own transfer kitty, he has now abandoned plans to target players like Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.