BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is hoping to land West Ham midfielder Marc Keller today as part of an exchange deal involving Christian Dailly.

Hammers boss Harry Redknapp has been back in touch with Rovers about a possible move for Scottish international Dailly.

And, though he is still to make an official bid, Rovers are optimistic of securing French international Keller as part of any deal.

"Something could happen today," said Ewood chief executive, John Williams.

"We've not had a bid but there has been dialogue and it's possible something could happen in the next 24 hours.

"It might be soon, it might be later, or it may not happen at all.

"But talks could resume today and there might be a chance of Keller coming the other way.

"He's certainly someone who Graeme is interested in."

Redknapp's interest in Dailly has now developed into something of a saga as he looks for a replacement for Rio Ferdinand.

The Hammers have also made moves for Aston Villa's Gareth Southgate and Rangers' Italian star Lorenzo Amoruso.

But now they could be ready to make a double swoop.

Redknapp is reportedly ready to pay £1.7 million for the 27-year-old.

And he asked Souness not to play the Scot in Saturday's game against Chester to ensure the player avoided being cup tied.

"Dailly's a terrific player and a regular Scotland international," said Redknapp.

"I'm hopeful of getting Amoruso, too, but I wouldn't want to lay odds on that right now.

"I'll also find time to talk with Steve Lomas about improving his contract.

"The signing of Dailly doesn't mean Lomas will be leaving though."

Rovers have quashed talk of a possible move for Chelsea defender Graeme Le Saux, however.

Reports in the national Press over the weekend claimed Souness wants to bring the England international back to Ewood -- three years after he left for Stamford Bridge in a £5 million deal.

But he is not a name that has been mentioned.

"There's nothing in that whatsoever," said Williams.

Meanwhile, Souness was relieved to avoid a potential FA Cup upset against plucky Chester at Ewood on Saturday.

Second half goals from Martin Taylor and Marcus Bent finally ended City's brave resistance and set up a home tie with Derby County in round four.

"We weren't at our best but at least we are through to the next round," said Souness.

"This was their biggest game of the season and they played the way we thought they would, in terms of spirit and determination.

"In the first half we were off the pace. They had a game plan, they tried to frustrate us and, by and large, they did.

"But, in the second half, we stepped up a gear and when we got our goal, I thought it was going to be a comfortable last 10 minutes, although it didn't turn out like that.

"So we can play a lot better than that.

"But now we are concentrating on Wednesday night's game against Preston.

"That's a bigger night for us and it's going to be a real test."

Rovers supporters club are holding their monthly quiz in the Blues Bar on Thursday night.

The event starts at 8pm, teams of four and five are welcome, and the entry fee is £5 per team.