BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is planning a loan move for Paris St Germain striker Kaba Diawara.

As we exclusively revealed yesterday, Rovers chief Souness has been tracking the former Arsenal hitman for a while.

And he was today hoping to persuade the player to come to Ewood on a 12-month loan.

"We are trying to see if a deal can be struck and, hopefully, we'll have an answer on that later today," said Souness.

"We want him for the rest of the season and we'll be putting that to both the club and the player.

"So it's a case of wait and see on that one at the moment."

Diawara has slipped down the pecking order at St Germain following the summer signings of Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian striker Christian.

A temporary move may, therefore, suit all parties and the player is believed to favour a switch to England following his brief spell at Highbury.

Souness has spent all summer looking for a striker to boost his options up front.

And the need for cover is becoming even more of a priority with Ashley Ward likely to be joining Bradford City later today.

Ward and Rovers have now come to an agreement over the money he is owed in signing-on fees for the reaminder of his contract.

And the way is now clear for City to agree personal terms with the player.

"We've reached an agreement with Ash and I expect him and his representatives to go over there for talks," said chief executive John Williams.

Several clubs are also expressing an interest in Darren Peacock, although Rovers have yet to receive a formal approach.