BLACKBURN Rovers have made a discreet inquiry about West Brom striker Jason Roberts.

I can reveal that Rovers chief executive John Williams contacted the Baggies to ask whether Roberts would be available on loan.

But Albion knocked back the request insisting the transfer-listed striker will only leave the Hawthorns as part of a permanent deal.

As things stand, their valuation of the 25-year-old has put Rovers off tabling a formal offer.

But he remains a player Graeme Souness admires as he tries to beef up his striking options ahead of the new season.

Souness was recently linked with a move for Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers and went to watch the player in action against Rangers last week.

But the Rovers chief has since cooled his interest in the former Everton hit-man.

And he's also ruled out a move for Aston Villa frontman Darius Vassell, too, despite newspaper speculation to the contrary.