SOUNESS is continuing to monitor David Thompson's situation at Coventry as he looks to beef up his attacking midfield options ahead of the new season.

As we revealed at the start of the summer, Souness had identified the former Liverpool wide-man as a potential summer target but when he then enquired about the player's availability he was put off by City's £4.5 million valuation.

However, the anticipated auction for his services has never materialised and now Sky Blues chief Gary McAllister may well have to lower his sights with City desperate to recoup some cash in a bid to keep the banks off their back.

As I understand it, Aston Villa are the only other serious contenders for his services but manager Graham Taylor will only make a move if he fails to land his number one target Dennis Rommedahl from PSV Eindhoven.