BLACKBURN will not be upping the stakes for Martin Grainger after being told to make a "serious bid" if they are interested in the Birmingham City full-back.

Grainger was a player who had interested Rovers boss Graeme Souness in his search for left-sided defensive reinforcements.

But Rovers didn't get as far as tabling a written offer after their valuation of the 28-year-old differed with that of the Blues, and Souness is now setting his sights elsewhere.

According to reports in the Midlands, Rovers were prepared to pay £2 million for the former Brentford defender.

But Birmingham insist they would have wanted a lot more to have been tempted to have sold a player they insist they don't want to lose, having recently tied him to a new long-term contract.

Chairman David Gold said: "I would say to Blackburn that if they are serious they should make a serious bid.

"The amount is derisory when you think that Leicester paid us £3.5 million for add-ons for Gary Rowett and Blackburn are much bigger and richer than Leicester.

"I think it's a derisory amount of money and more so because there is a shortage of left-sided players."

As far as Rovers are concerned, however, the matter is now closed with Grainger just one of a number of potential targets.

And despite their spending power, it's clear that Souness won't pay what he considers to be over the odds for players as he looks to strengthen his squad ready for a Premiership assault.