GRAEME Souness headed a spying mission to Gigg Lane last night, fuelling more transfer speculation as the Blackburn Rovers boss concentrates on his plans to launch next season's promotion challenge.

The presence of a trio of Ewood representatives at a star-studded reserve game between Manchester United and Liverpool also hinted at some new names in the frame -- such as one of his former favourites, Anfield defender Steve Staunton.

But Souness today played down suggestions of any imminent moves stemming from his visit.

"There weren't many games on last night and this was a good one with so many decent players involved," he said.

"That's all it was, there was no particular reason for being there."

Speculation that Rovers are in the process of chasing Liverpool striker Titi Camara has already been shot down by Gerard Houllier, who claimed Camara would leave Anfield only "over my dead body." Staunton would seem to have been a much more realistic target and Merseyside sources confirmed today that he would almost certainly be allowed to leave at the end of the season.

But, while Souness has been a big admirer of the versatile 31-year-old Republic of Ireland star in the past, Staunton does not figure on any of his current shopping lists.

There were a number of well-known names involved last night, including defenders Kippe Frode and Djimi Traore, midfielder Danny Murphy and striker Erik Meijer, along with goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The keeper is rated by Souness but the Rovers boss has already expressed his satisfaction with the goalkeeping situation at Ewood where he will have three seniors challenging once John Filan is fit again.

United's side included 21-year-old former York striker Jonathan Greening who has been eyed by a number of clubs.

Celtic, represented by ex-Ewood boss Kenny Dalglish, and Tottenham -- both believed to be looking for strikers -- were at the game.

Rovers have been spreading their net far and wide as Souness lines up potential summer signings but there are no signs of anything developing from last night's mission.