MILLWALL chief Theo Paphitis today offered Blackburn a glimmer of hope in their attempts to land Steven Reid by hinting a deal can still be done for the highly-rated midfielder.

Rovers have already had a £2 million bid rejected for the Republic of Ireland international.

But Lions chairman Paphitis has refused to close the door on a move altogether after admitting he could still be persuaded to sell if the price is right.

"If we receive a good offer which would enable us to strengthen the squad then we will have to look at it," said Paphitis.

Millwall manager Mark McGhee is desperate to keep Reid because he sees him as an integral part of his plans for next season.

But the former Wolves boss has already begun the search for a replacement and seems resigned to losing him at some stage this summer, with Rovers still the favourites to land the 22-year-old.

"I'm glad he's not going because our best squad definitely includes Steven Reid," said McGhee, in response to Rovers' recent failed bid.

"He's a vital part of it until we can find an out and out left-sided player and we are looking very hard to find the right one.

"As far as I'm concerned, though, I'd be delighted if the bids weren't increased. I just want him to come back and play with us."

Wolves and Birmingham have also been linked with a move for Reid, who was recently voted Ireland's young player of the year, but Rovers are the only club to have made a formal offer so far.

Manager Graeme Souness will not be drawn into a bidding war and may choose to bide his time, as he did with David Thompson last summer.

In the meantime, Reid won't get his hopes up about a move to Ewood, even though he is known to be desperate to test himself in the Premiership.

"I genuinely don't know what will happen over the summer. I think everyone takes what they read and what they hear with a pinch of salt at the moment," said the young midfielder.

"I'd like to make it clear though, especially to the Millwall fans, that I have not asked to leave.

"I'm not sure what the club's attitude to Blackburn's interest is, so we will have to wait and see what happens."

Keith Gillespie has been linked with a move to Leicester.