BLACKBURN Rovers remain in pole-position to sign Vratislav Gresko this summer - despite speculation suggesting Leeds United are ready to compete for his signature.

Ewood chief executive John Williams met officials from Italian club Parma on Monday night prior to Rovers' game with Fulham at Loftus Road.

And the club are confident that they can strike a deal for the Slovakian international who has made a big impression during his short time in the Premiership.

"I'm currently in discussions with Parma about a deal for Vratislav," said Williams today.

"We had a meeting on Monday night in London because officials from Parma have another player on loan at Fulham at the moment so it made sense to meet there.

"Further talks are planned and I think we might be able to do something but it could ultimately come down to a question of price.

"Vratislav has indicated to us that he would like to stay because he's enjoyed his time in England so far.

"We are therefore optimistic that something could happen but we don't want to jump the gun."

Under the current transfer system, Rovers wouldn't be able to sign the defender anyway until July 1 when the transfer window re-opens again.

Ideally, they would prefer to sign him on another season-long loan but if push came to shove then they may be prepared to pay around £1.5 million for a player who reportedly cost Inter Milan £10 million not so long ago before the transfer market collapsed.

There is a possibility that Rovers might encounter work-permit problems, too.

Gresko has not been selected for Slovakia recently and does not therefore meet the criteria in regard to playing in 75 per cent of his country's international games during the last two years.

However, the fact that he has already proved he is good enough for the Premiership should work in Rovers' favour when it comes to arguing his case.

Rovers could face competition for his signature, though, with Leeds reported to have registered an interest with Parma for the player.

Peter Reid looks set to be confirmed as the permanent boss at Elland Road in the not-too-distant future and one source has claimed that one of his first moves could be to try and snatch Gresko from underneath the noses of Rovers.

Leeds are in the market for a left back, with Spanish loanee Raul Bravo set to return to Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Reid reinstated Ian Harte following his appointment last month, but the Yorkshiremen are still short of options and Gresko is a player he is said to be looking at.