NEGOTIATIONS aimed at bringing a left sided defender to Ewood Park have continued but still appear to be some way from conclusion.

And with each passing day, the likelihood of manager Graeme Souness having another option available to him for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa is diminishing.

In the midst of talks with the player's overseas club, Rovers chief John Williams remains extremely guarded about the ongoing talks but he confirmed this morning: "All we can really say at this moment is that some progress has been made.

"Negotiations are ongoing in respect of bringing the manager's identified target to Blackburn."

Rovers are believed to have a bid in with Nuremburg for the player, believed to be either Marek Nikl, from the Czech Republic, or 21-year-old Swede Nils-Eric Johansson.

Meanwhile, costly strikers Egil Ostenstad and Marcus Bent both found the net for Rovers reserves in a 5-0 romp against Aston Villa at Morecambe last night.

Reserve manager Alan Murray admitted: "Villa had a young and inexperienced side out but we still went out there and did a thoroughly professional job, we played with a very good attitude. The disappointing thing is that we now have to wait a month for our next FA Premier Reserve League game."

Villa has got a crucial UEFA Cup second leg game in Croatia tomorrow night and that meant they relied heavily on youngsters from their academy.

Rovers also had a sprinkling of young talent but could also call on the greater experience of Ostenstad, Bent, Craig Hignett, Jeff Kenna and keeper John Filan.

Ostenstad netted twice and Bent once with James Thomas and substitute David McNamee completing the scoring.