BLACKBURN target Brian McBride was today on the brink of joining Fulham.

Graeme Souness's attempts to land the United States international have been hijacked by his Fulham counterpart Chris Coleman.

The Cottagers have agreed a deal to sell Louis Saha to Manchester United, and Coleman wants McBride as his cut-price replacement.

"As I understand it, he's going to talk to Fulham," said a disgruntled Souness.

"We had offered him terms but he now wants to speak to Fulham.

"So our cards are on the table and Fulham would only have to better that.

"But, at the end of the day, my grandmother used to tell me 'What's for you, won't go by you, son' so I won't lose any sleep over it."

News of McBride's dramatic U-turn is a serious blow to Souness who was hoping that the 31-year-old would bolster his striking options.

Rovers thought they had a deal in the bag and they had even got to the stage where they were discussing where the player would live.

However, Souness then received a call at 2pm on Saturday afternoon -- an hour before Rovers' game with Manchester City -- to say that McBride wanted to open talks with Fulham.

It is thought the player feels he has a greater chance of playing regularly there, where he would also swap a relegation battle for a European push.

"It's never nailed down until a signature is on a contract," reflected Souness.

"But I would expect him to go to Fulham now."

Meanwhile, Souness has also scrapped his interest in Norwegian midfielder Martin Andresen because of the 26-year-old's wage demands.

Dino Baggio was also in Italy today to discuss a possible move to Ancona, who want to take over his contract.

Rovers have asked about Middlesbrough's Stuart Downing but they have not made a bid for the 19-year-old winger.

Rovers' Under 17s beat Manchester City 7-2 at the weekend.

The Under 19s drew 1-1 with Manchester United.