BLACKBURN Rovers have ended their interest in Isreali midfielder Eyal Berkovic.

But the drawn-out transfer saga of Cameroon defender Lucien Mettomo was set to reach a positive end for Graeme Souness today.

The 23-year-old watched the 4-0 trouncing of Portsmouth in the Worthington Cup last night at Ewood Park.

And, after completing more medical examinations today, the £4.6 million deal was expected to be tied up.

Mettomo had threatened to go on strike if St Etienne did not accept the Ewood offer.

And Rovers dug their heals in, refusing to increase their bid.

But the two clubs have come to an agreement that Rovers will play St Etienne in a pre-season friendly at Ewood, probably next season, by way of a compromise. However, there is no sign that negotiations with Celtic over Blackburn's interest in Berkovic will reach such a satisfactory conclusion.

Celtic valued their player at around £6 million and would only accept Christian Dailly plus £2 million.

Rovers wanted a straight swap, although they were prepared to pay extra should the club gain promotion. Souness, however, has set his sights on a new target and has admitted that the Berkovic deal is dead.

He said: "We will not be pursuing that. We have had a change of direction.

"There are other irons in the fire."

Christian Dailly was again on the bench last night and his own Ewood future remained in doubt with the arrival of Mettomo and with Newcastle maintaining a strong interest.

Their scouts were at the Portsmouth game to see Dailly come on as a late substitute.

Chief executive John Williams said: "I understand there has been further dialogue between the two managers.

"I suspect there are a number of options open to Newcastle and that they are weighing them up."

There is also the possibility that Celtic will pursue their interest irrespective of a possible Berkovic swap.