BLACKBURN Rovers are poised to swoop for Middlesbrough striker Brian Deane to spearhead their challenge for a return to the Premiership.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness confirmed today that he had made a "firm enquiry" about the player and is expected to step up his pursuit once Middlesbrough, who want former Rovers goalscorer Chris Sutton, have strengthened their own striking resources.

Souness is keen to rekindle a working relationship with Deane, who played under the Rovers manager at Benfica, and it's thought a deal, valued at between £1-1.5 million, could move swiftly once Boro have lined up a replacement.

Everton have also been reported as possible bidders for the 32-year-old but Souness is keen to land the big marksman to help solve the goalscoring crisis that blunted Rovers' attempt to bounce straight back to the top-flight last season.

"He's a player who would get his fair share of goals in this league and he would create a hell of a lot for other people, not just because of his football ability but also his size," Souness said.

The former Leeds and Sheffield United striker has been a consistent scorer in the Premiership. And as well as bringing badly-needed goals to Rovers, Souness believes Deane would also help the overall flow from the rest of the team, which the manager stressed is vital to Rovers' chance of success next season.

He added: "I think we have got people in the team who are capable of getting 15 goals, and if two or three of them from midfield are chipping in that eliminates the problem.

"Scoring goals must be shared around and not just a burden on the front players. Top midfield players should be getting double figures."

The move could be delayed, however, by the fact that Middlesbrough face competition from Celtic for the capture of Sutton.

His ill-fated £10 million move from Ewood to Chelsea is about to come to an end. Martin O'Neill has targetted the 27-year-old as his first signing as Celtic boss.

Norwegian full-back Stig Bjornebye, who came on for his country during their Euro 2000 defeat to Yugoslavia last night, has confirmed that he won't be returning to Liverpool now his loan spell with Brondby has come to an end.

And he is expected to complete his £300,000 move to Ewood Park when Norway's involvement in Holland and Belgium comes to an end.

Meanwhile, Bolton defender Mark Fish, said to be on his way to Charlton, has never been a target for Souness, as reported elsewhere.

And Barnsley are yet to firm up their interest in Rovers' out-of-contract defender Leam Richardson.

Rovers have already said that they will listen to offers for Nathan Blake and the arrival of Deane as the second summer signing behind defender John Curtis would give them a new cutting edge.