ROVERS are losing interest on out-of-contract Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris.

Graeme Souness had originally identified Morris as one of his summer targets, who will be available on a Bosman transfer.

The 24-year-old, who has partnered Dunn at the heart of the England U21 side, fills Souness's criteria of being a young British midfielder with something to prove after struggling to hold down a regular place at Stamford Bridge.

However, as I understand it, the player's reputed £30,000-per-week wages have proved a big issue and Morris has slipped down the pecking order on the Ewood Park hit-list.

The player clearly now in Souness's sights is Millwall ace Steven Reid, following Rovers' recent £2m bid.

Lions chairman Theo Paphatis instantly rejected the approach, but hinted any increase may allow Rovers to get their man.

At the time, he said: "I'm sure Graeme Souness will be making a realistic bid for Reid in the not-too-distant future."

However, it appears the Blues' initial offer will hang in the ether for some time yet because of the financial noose slowly tightening around the necks of Nationwide clubs.

Rovers are firmly in the driving seat, knowing that once the transfer window begins to slam shut at the start of next season, Millwall face a sell-or-be-damned dilemma.