JASON McAteer's rumoured move to Sunderland is not going to happen - yet!

But Rovers boss Graeme Souness confirmed this morning: "I know there has been some sort of activity in that department although I have not spoken with Peter Reid at this stage."

And Rovers chief executive John Williams did not deny the rumours although he insisted that they are still waiting for an official approach.

Black Cats boss Reid has been linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland international since he failed in a protracted bid to persuade Trevor Sinclair to move from West Ham to the Stadium of Light.

The Sunderland boss has plenty of money at his disposal as he has sold Don Hutchinson to West Ham and Alex Rae to Wolves for a total of £6.4million.

He also expects to sell Danny Dichio for £1million to West Brom when the striker recovers from his broken foot.

But Reid is hoping to get the out of favour McAteer at a bargain price although hopes of getting him on a free would surely fail as Rovers will be determined to recoup some of the £4million they paid for him almost three years ago.

McAteer did return to the first team line-up on Saturday, his first start in five months, but he has been left in little doubt that his future lies away from Ewood Park.

Derby County and First Division Preston have shown interest in recent weeks but McAteer is determined to stay in the top flight.

While McAteer looks set to leave, it has been a week of steady negotiations for Rovers as they continue their dogged pursuit of a left sided defender.

But despite the names that keep being put forward, chief executive Williams is remaining tight-lipped about the current situation.

"All we can say at this stage is that progress has been made," he said, although he admitted the progress had been slow.

The 20-year-old Norwegian Ereind Hanstveit, who is also being linked with a move to both Celtic and Leeds United, is the latest name in the frame. In addition the Perugia defender Mauro Milanese, who was on trial at Ewood Park a couple of weeks ago, is considered to be a potential target.