BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has made his second major signing of the summer after swooping for Spanish World Cup star Javier De Pedro.

De Pedro, capped 20 times by Spain, turned down a number of inviting offers from clubs in his homeland to sign a two-year deal with Rovers last night.

Souness first expressed an interest in the winger during the January transfer window and he's now got his man on a Bosman-style free after deciding to abandon plans to sign Morten Gamst Pedersen.

"As soon as we heard that De Pedro was available, Graeme Souness put him to the top of our wanted list," said Rovers' chief executive John Williams.

"Consequently, we ceased interest in Morten Pedersen, one of our other summer targets, and made a concerted effort to land De Pedro."

Souness was delighted to clinch a deal for the classy left-winger and he's already tipping the 30-year-old to be a big hit with fans next season.

"I am delighted by the signing. De Pedro is a proven player at the highest level and he is someone our fans should be very excited about seeing in a blue and white shirt next season," said Souness.

"Two years ago he played in every game for Spain in the World Cup and the only reason he hasn't signed a new contract with Sociedad is because he's had a fall out with them.

"He's a left-sided player with bags of international experience and he scores his fair share of goals from set-pieces.

"He's got terrific ability with his left foot and two seasons ago he had the most assists in the Spanish League."

Rovers have now signed two players during the closed season -- De Pedro and the former Leicester City striker Paul Dickov -- and Souness is hoping to bring in at least one more new face before the start of the season.

A central defender remains high on his list of priorities and Rovers have already had talks with Leeds United's Dominic Matteo -- who's also available on a free -- but his £40,000-a-week wages have so far proved to be a stumbling block.

In the meantime, fans are reminded the deadline for renewing season-tickets is this weekend.

Rovers have frozen prices at last season's rate and in some instances they've even reduced them which means it's possible to watch Premiership football at Ewood from as little as £13.16 per game next term.

Contact the ticket office hotline on 08701 123456 for further details.