ROVERS hopes of landing Liverpool centre-back Djimi Traore could rest in the hands of Derby defender Chris Riggott.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was today reported to be lining up a £5 million bid for England Under 21 international Riggott in preparation for an assault on Manchester United's Premiership crown.

And, if can prise the highly-rated 20-year-old away from Pride Park, then that could spell the end of Traore's future at Anfield.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness is already in talks with Liverpool about a possible £3 million move for the classy Frenchman -- a player he has tracked for the last 12 months.

And Rovers are hoping to hear in the next few days whether or not Reds boss Houllier is finally prepared to do business.

Traore, a £500,000 capture from French side Laval in February 1999, remains highly thought of on Merseyside, despite only starting a handful of first team games last season.

But, if Houllier follows up his interest in Riggott with a concrete bid then he will find himself even further down the Anfield pecking order and may decide his future lies elsewhere.

Sources in Derby suggest, however, that Houllier could have his work cut out in persuading County boss Jim Smith to part with one of his most-prized assets.

The cash-strapped Rams are certainly looking to offload players to ease their financial problems and recently sold Rory Delap to Southampton for £4 million.

But Riggott, who was voted the supporters' player of the year last season, is seen as an integral part of Smith's plans.

And it could take an offer of £6 million-plus to prise the player away from Pride Park.