BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today outlined his reasons for wanting to sign Leicester City striker Paul Dickov.

Souness has made the Scotland international one of his top transfer targets this summer.

And the Rovers boss is adamant the hard-working forward can become his very own 'Fox in the box' as he looks to pep up his forward line in preparation for next season.

"We've spoken to Paul's agent and we are now hoping to speak with the player as well," said Souness.

"There's a lot of clubs after him but we'll try to persuade him that his future lies here.

"He scored 13 goals last season in a side that got relegated from the Premiership and if he's not scoring goals then he's working his socks off for the team.

"I think he's an attractive player to watch.

"If he's not scoring goals then he's still contributing in a big way.

"When you go and watch Paul Dickov play you see someone who obviously loves playing football.

"He gives 110 per cent every time he crosses that white line and at a club like ours, we need as many of those types in the side as possible."

Rovers are hoping to speak with Dickov and his representatives at some point today but they face a fight for his signature as five other clubs have also expressed an interest in the 31-year-old.

Norwich City, West Brom, Portsmouth and Birmingham have already thrown their hats in the ring and now Everton have emerged as the latest suitors.

Leicester boss Micky Adams is virtually resigned to losing him but he still hopes to speak with the player again before he makes a final decision on his future.

"As far as I know Paul is talking to Everton and Blackburn, but he has promised to come back and talk to us first," said Adams.

"I think financially we are struggling to compete with some of those clubs and what I would say to him is that we can give him a game every week.

"I'm not sure Paul will get that elsewhere but we'll just have to wait and see."

Adams has already had to release 13 players this summer and the prospect of losing Dickov for a cut-price fee of £75,000 would be another devastating blow for the Foxes.