BLACKBURN Rovers are trying to sign Dutch striker Mounir El Hamdaoui.

I can reveal that Rovers have made an official bid for the 20-year-old forward, who scored 19 goals in the Dutch League last season.

And Graeme Souness is now waiting for an answer from his club side Excelsior as he looks to beef up his striking resources ahead of the big kick-off next weekend.

Souness's top priority remains a midfielder or a defender after his bid to sign the Rangers centre-back Craig Moore fell through earlier this week.

But El Hamdaoui made such an impression on the Rovers chief during a recent trial at Brockhall that Souness is now trying to sign him in a cut-price deal.

Rovers are thought to have tabled an offer in the region of £200,000 for the player, who would not require a work permit as he was born in Holland.

Souness said: "He was very impressive in training. He played in a practice game and did everything he possibly could have done to impress us.

"So we feel he's someone worth taking a chance on."

El Hamdaoui is described as a pacy, skilful forward who bears a striking resemble to Liverpool's Milan Baros.

He scored 19 goals for Excelsior last season and averages a goal in every other game.

In the past, he has been called up for both the Dutch Under 21 and Under 23 sides but he also qualifies for Morocco as well and he recently pledged his international future to them.

In the meantime, Rovers are hopeful that Brad Friedel will be fit to face West Brom on the opening day of the season.

The United States international is making excellent progress in his battle to recover from the 'kicking' muscle injury he sustained in Germany a fortnight ago.

And there's every chance he will be back in training again next week.

Meanwhile, Rovers complete their pre-season friendly campaign with a game against Bray Wanderers in Ireland tomorrow night.

Rovers are expected to take a strong 17-man squad to Dublin and the game will provide Graeme Souness with one last opportunity to experiment before the Premiership gets into full swing next weekend.

Javier De Pedro, David Thompson, Craig Short and Barry Ferguson will all benefit from the run-out as they look to step up their comebacks after injuries.

Rovers' reserves are also in action tomorrow at Altrincham (kick-off 3pm).

Elsewhere, Ruud Van Nistelrooy will be missing for Manchester United when they head to Ewood on August 28.

The Dutchman needs a hernia operation and is likely to miss the first four weeks of the season.

Rovers' Academy warmed up for the new season by winning a four-team tournament in Plymouth.

Gary Bowyer's side beat Crystal Palace 3-0 to book a place in the final against Plymouth Argyle.

Then the young Rovers beat the hosts 2-0 to claim the title thanks to an own goal and a strike from Ralph Welch.