GRAEME Souness's hopes of landing Liverpool defender Djimi Traore have suffered a set-back after the Merseyside giants rejected Rovers' £3 million offer.

Ewood chief Souness had tabled the bid for the classy Frenchman earlier this week as he looks to beef up his defensive resources ahead of the big kick off.

But Anfield boss Gerard Houllier has slapped a £4 million asking price on the head of the 21-year-old centre back, hailed by many observers as the new Marcel Desailly.

And now Rovers are considering whether or not to up the ante following a year-long pursuit of the Liverpool reserve team skipper.

"We made an offer and we have been notified that that has now been rejected," said chief executive John Williams.

"In light of that, we are now taking stock of the situation and considering our position."

Liverpool only paid £500,000 for the player back in February 1999 and he has since made just 12 first team appearances.

But he is highly-rated on Merseyside and Souness quickly identified him as a transfer target from the moment he first walked into Ewood.

Rovers will have to up their offer by at least a million, however, if they are to persuade the Reds to do business.

Houllier, currently away with his squad in Singapore, said: "I know of Blackburn's interest, but I value Djimi at more than they have mentioned."