BLACKBURN Rovers could be heading for the United States this summer as part of Graeme Souness's preparations for next season.

I can exclusively reveal that the Rovers boss wants to take his players to America in July for a 10-day training camp.

And talks have already begun about organising a prestigious friendly with Washington-based outfit DC United.

"We are currently talking about a trip to America because that's what I want to do," said Souness today.

"It's been highly recommended to me by both Brad Friedel and Alan Shearer and it's one I would love to go on.

"The plan would be to go to Washington where we would train at the camp which the US national team use.

"We would look to do a week or so of hard training and then play a couple of games against some sides over there."

Major League Soccer outfit DC United, who once famously tried to sign Paul Gascoigne, have already been approached about the possibility of playing Rovers at the RFK Stadium in late July.

And another game against a smaller side is also in the mixer.

Rovers have a good following in the States as a result of their connections with Friedel and DC officials would welcome the prospect of a friendly against last season's Worthington Cup winners.

"We've been approached by a third party about a possible Blackburn match, but we've not yet had the opportunity to discuss anything directly with the team," said DC vice president of communications Doug Hicks.

"DC United are interested, however, in pursuing any opportunity that would bring a quality side like Blackburn to RFK Stadium."

Rovers would become the second Premiership club to face United this year, after Spurs lost 1-0 to them at White Hart Lane last October.

They were also hoping to organise a game against Friedel's old club, Columbus Crew, but the US team have since had to give backward due to other commitments.

However, Souness is now trying to line-up another side for the second game of the proposed mini tour.

"We are talking to people over there about the possibility of playing another side who are not in the MLS," said Souness.

In the past, Rovers have gone on pre-season trips to Germany and Austria during Souness's time at the helm.

But the prospect of a tour to America could well open up new commercial markets to the forward-thinking Premiership club.

"There is a possibility that we might go to the States," said chief executive John Williams.

"We've got to see if we can make it work from an operational point of view as well as ensuring it would be of benefit to our pre-season preparations."