BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is lining up a possible swoop for Belgian international defender Philippe Leonard.

Rovers today admitted the vastly experienced left-back is a target after a move for Slovakian international Vratislav Gresko hit the buffers.

As I understand it, Souness also has several other options up his sleeve which are currently under consideration.

But Leonard is thought to be the name at the top of his wanted list as the 29-year-old is available on a free following his recent release by Monaco.

"A move for Philippe is a possibility," said chief executive John Williams.

"He was one we tried to get last season and his name is on the list of possibles again for sure."

Souness first expressed his interest in the player back in January and thought he had a deal lined up to bring him to Ewood until the end of the season.

But Leonard ended up giving back-word at the last minute, after his wife expressed a reluctance to move to England, so Rovers decided to go for Gresko instead.

Ironically, now the Belgian could be heading for Ewood as the Slovakian's replacement, unless Gresko is prepared to be more flexible with his personal demands.

On paper at least, a move for Leonard would certainly make more financial sense.

As he is a free agent, Rovers could save themselves around £1.5 million in transfer fees.

And there is also some doubt as to whether Gresko would be fit enough to start the season anyway, after he fractured three bones in his foot following a challenge by Leeds United's Danny Mills in April.

Leonard boasts a wealth of experience having played in both the World Cup and the Champions League.

He spent a total of seven seasons at Monaco after joining the club in 1997, winning several championship medals during his time in the Principality.

He also has 18 international caps to his name and is widely regarded as one of the most cultured defenders in Belgium.

Meanwhile, Rovers have laughed off suggestions that Spurs are about to make a move for Tugay.

A story in yesterday's Evening Standard reported that Tugay's agents had been contacted by people claiming to be working for the London club.

But an Ewood source insists that's news to them saying: "As far as we are aware, Tugay is very happy and settled here."