SPECULATION has continued in the North East that Rovers boss Graeme Souness is preparing a transfer swoop for Sunderland defender Emerson Thome.

With all eyes currently on events in Japan and South Korea, there has been precious little transfer activity in the Premier League although Rovers have already strengthened their defensive options with the addition of Andy Todd.

But Souness is known to be keen to add another defender and Thome has been a target in the past. Rovers were interested in the player when he left Chelsea for Sunderland but it is thought the London club was asking for too much money.

The Black Cats under-achieved last season and manager Peter Reid is desperate to change his squad around having only been assured of survival on the final day of the last campaign.

He has already announced a major clear-out but may still need to sell Thome in order to fund his rebuilding programme.

The big Brazilian was plagued by injury last season having impressed on Wearside after moving from Stamford Bridge.

Rovers have already been linked with defenders such as the Leeds pair of Michael Duberry and Jonathan Woodgate and Souness is ready to spend again to build on the achievements of last season.

Experienced defender Henning Berg has been given until the end of the month to sort out his future and all options will be looked at by the Ewood Park boss.

The promise of European football would attract any potential signing and it would be no surprise if Thome was on the list of potential targets.