FRESH speculation in the national Press suggesting the club are ready to step up their interest in Everton's Michael Ball is wide of the mark.

Souness WAS initially interested in the England defender and the club did make a tentative enquiry about his availability earlier in the summer.

But, though the player could now be heading for the Goodison exit door after failing to agree terms over a new contract, Rovers are not serious contenders for his signature because of the likely £6 million asking price, combined with probable wage demands in the region of £30,000 a week.