BLACKBURN Rovers' pursuit of Brian Deane may be put on hold -- but manager Graeme Souness insists he won't be concerned if he packs his squad off for Germany next week without any more new faces on the plane.

With Middlesbrough target Chris Sutton -- now also attracting interest from Aston Villa -- delaying a decision over his future, Deane will not be made available by Bryan Robson.

That rules out any imminent arrival at Ewood Park for the former Leeds and Sheffield United front man and Souness may yet have to turn his sights elsewhere.

But the Rovers boss confirmed that making a signing before next Monday's departure for a two-match trip to Germany isn't of paramount importance.

"It's not critical. You can't make things happen if clubs don't want to sell at the moment.

"We are looking to strengthen and we are in the fortunate position that we can strengthen and we'll just see how things work out," he said.

Souness didn't elaborate on the Dean situation, preferring to concentrate on the start of pre-season training. With the exception of new capture Stig Inge Bjornebye, given a break after Euro 2000, the manager was anticipating a full turn-out, although Jeff Kenna may be eased back in after recovering from a long-standing Achilles tendon injury.

"Certainly he's back but we'll see how he shapes up over the next few days," Souness added.

The five players -- Nathan Blake, Per Frandsen, Billy McKinlay, Darren Peacock and Keith Gillespie -- told they can find new clubs if the price is right for Rovers were also due at Brockhall.

But there could be movement out of Ewood within the next few days with Callum Davidson another who could possibly be allowed to leave.

"We have had one or two clubs interested but nothing that has resulted in a bid.

"But everyone reports back today and things might start to get moving," said Rovers' chief executive John Williams.

Midfielder Frandsen may be among the first to go if Bradford City follow up their interest.

New Bantams boss Chris Hutchings has £7 million to spend on new faces this summer and has made Sheffield Wednesday's out-of-contract full-back Ian Nolan his first signing.

Leeds midfielder David Hopkin is another player reputed to be on his way to Valley Parade and Frandsen is also thought to be in Hutchings' sights.