Blackburn Rovers target Djimi Traore will not be coming to Ewood Park after all.

Last night, the Liverpool defender rejected a loan move to French club Lens and indicated that he wanted a transfer to Rovers.

Yet, this morning, he once again had a change of heart and decided on a return to his homeland.

His move was assisted by Liverpool's decision to again reject Rovers' improved offer for the talented 21-year-old who has been a target for boss Graeme Souness all summer.

The versatile youngster is equally at home in the centre of defence or at left-back and Souness saw him as ideal cover for his back-line, but will now have to turn his attention elsewhere, possibly back to Birmingham City's Martin Grainger.

A source close to Traore said today: "He told me last night that he was not going to Lens and that he wanted to play for Blackburn Rovers instead and wanted Blackburn and Liverpool to renew negotiations.

"But Lens have improved their offer to him and he has decided to go there on loan for the rest of the season after all."

Liverpool were reluctant to sell Traore to one of their Premiership rivals and manager Gerard Houllier had sought to appease the restless player by loaning him out Lens for the rest of the season.

The Anfield club has stood firm in their dealings with Rovers for Traore all summer, demanding a full cash payment of around £4m.

They rejected any installment options based upon appearances that Rovers offered initially, with a down-payment of £3m.

Rovers are believed to have improved their offer twice only to be repeatedly knocked back by Liverpool.

The 21-year-old Traore has found life at Anfield frustrating as he sought to break into the first team.

Dubbed as a player with a very bright future, Traore signed for Liverpool from his hometown club Laval for £550,000 in February 1999.

Manager Houllier beat off stiff competition from AC Milan, Lazio and Paris St Germain to attain his services.

He started last season as first choice left back before the arrival of Christian Ziege.