GRAEME Souness has turned down the chance to sign former England international Carlton Palmer.

Coventry boss Gordon Strachan recently tried to off-load Palmer to Rovers as part of a swop deal for Lee Carsley.

But Souness was quick to nip the deal in the bud, insisting Carsley was not for sale.

"We are definitely not signing Carlton Palmer," said Souness.

"He was offered to us recently as part of a bid to sign Lee Carsley.

"But I think there just trying to get him off their books."

Manwhile, First Division leaders Fulham have taken Bordeaux centre-back Nicolas Sahnoun, 20, on loan.