EWOOD chief Graeme Souness is poised to land Nuremberg defender Nils-Eric Johansson later this week.

The highly-rated young Swede jetted into England on Monday for further talks and a medical.

And, barring any late hitch, he could be signed before the weekend as Souness looks to boost his injury-depleted defensive resources.

Meanwhile, Hakan Suker's agent, Hakan Azman, today dismissed reports suggesting Rovers are ready to move in for the Inter Milan striker.

But he has hinted the Turkish international could be interested in a move to Ewood if Souness ever decided to swoop.

"There hasn't been any direct offer from Blackburn Rovers or from Graeme Souness so were are still waiting on that one," said Azman.

"They must also realise that Liverpool are still interested.

"I have told everybody who contacts me that it depends on the salary, and also whether Hakan will go.

"If the salary is high then he will certainly consider Rovers."

Elsewhere, former Blackburn boss Roy Hodgson has been given three matches to save his job as manager of Udinese following the weekend home defeat by high-flying Chievo.

Simone Perrotta and Brazilian star Eriberto gave Chievo an early two-goal lead on Sunday, before Jorge Samuel Caballero pulled one back for Hodgson's men before half-time.

However, the second period ended scoreless, leaving Udinese in the bottom half.

"I saw a team without a head or a tail," blasted club president Giampaolo Pozzo.

"Hodgson has a lot of good players, so that cannot have been the real Udinese.

"I will let him carry on for now, because he had problems at the beginning with FC Copenhagen (before they recovered to win the title). But something must change."

Udinese have won just once in Serie A this season, losing twice and drawing twice. Their only victory so far came at Perugia on September 23.

Tickets are selling out quickly for England's crucial Under 21 qualifier with Greece at Ewood on Friday (kick-off 7pm).

So far, over 22,000 have been sold and Rovers officials are anticipating a 'gate' in excess of 25,000 for a game David Platt's men need to win to boost their hopes of qualifying.

Rovers defender Simon Grayson looks set to complete a permanent move to Second Division Notts County later this week.

Grayson has spent the last month on loan at Meadow Lane and Rovers are ready to let him join the Magpies on a free.