BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has turned down the chance to sign Leeds United midfielder Salomon Olembe.

Rovers were offered the Cameroon international as a solution to their problem on the left hand side.

And Souness was initially interested in a possible deal until he learned that the player would miss a crucial chunk of the season due to his participation in the African Nations Cup.

That prompted the Rovers chief to abandon any thoughts of signing him before the January transfer window.

And there is little prospect of any other deals being done over the weekend, either, as Souness's scouting network continues to scour Europe in the search for reinforcements.

"His agent had a discussion with myself and Graeme about Olembe but once Graeme knew that he was going to play in the African Nations Cup he decided to drop his interest," said Rovers' chief executive, John Williams.

Olembe is currently on loan to Leeds from Marseille but his agent, Willie Mackay, is trying to find him another club after United cancelled the contracts of two of his other clients, Didier Domi and Zoumana Camara.

So far, Souness has drawn a blank in his efforts to stiffen up his midfield and forward line.

A deal for American striker Brian McBride fell through last week and the Rovers boss decided that Norwegian midfielder Martin Andresen did not meet his requirements following a brief trial spell with the club.

As I understand it, Souness was also interested in Wolves midfielder Alex Rae but the veteran schemer is unlikely to leave the Midlands club before his contract expires in the summer.

Meanwhile, Rovers fans will get the opportunity to meet one of their heroes on Monday night.

The South Lancs branch of the Rovers Supporters Association are holding 'An Evening with Brad Friedel' at their headquarters, which is the Hesketh Arms in Standish near Wigan, and everyone is welcome.

The event kicks off at 7.30 pm and admission is just £2.