BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is tracking former Arsenal hitman Kaba Diawara in a bid to solve his search for a striker.

The 24-year-old is currently out of favour at Paris St Germain, who have signed former Gunners forward Nicolas Anelka from Real Madrid.

The French giants also have Laurent Leroy, another player previously linked with Rovers although that is without foundation.

But Diawara's lack of match opportunities is causing problems for Souness, who wants to see the player in action before pursuing his interest.

Souness said: "We have made an enquiry about him because he has been recommended to us.

"But he is not in the Paris St Germain team and I cannot see him playing. "I remember him vaguely from his time at Arsenal so I would like to get him over to train with us for a few days.

"But a big name player, who has played for Marseille, Bordeaux and Arsenal, doesn't feel the need to come on trial."

Diawara, who has also played for Toulon, would appear to fit the bill as the type of striker that Souness is looking for to replace Ashley Ward, whose move to Bradford looks set to make progress today. Bantams Chairman Geoffrey Richmond is hoping to discuss personal terms with Ward tomorrow.

"We are optimistic of our chances," he said. "We are hoping he will resolve things with Blackburn today and then we can sit down with him to discuss personal terms tomorrow."

Souness has also quashed reports from Sheffield Wednesday that Andy Booth was a target.

And, contrary to reports in the national press, Darren Peacock is not interesting Division One rivals Crystal Palace. A suggested loan move to Preston is also wide of the mark.