BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness has launched the first phase of his summer rebuilding programme by raiding Manchester United for defender John Curtis.

Rovers have ended a two-month chase for the 21-year-old by agreeing to pay United £1.5m for the highly-rated full back.

And, after securing the England Under 21 international on a four-year contract, chief executive John Williams revealed Rovers have beaten off at least two Premier League clubs for his signature.

Curtis becomes Souness's first signing since he took over the reins at Ewood two and a half months ago.

And it marks a great piece of business for the club who have pulled off a major coup in persuading him to drop down to the First Division.

"I am delighted we have been able to deliver Graeme Souness's first signing," said Williams.

"He's a player we have been trailing for two months and it was very important we got him here.

"We think it's a great bit of business because he fits all the criteria Graeme wanted, which is someone he thinks will improve the team.

"I believe there were one or two Premiership clubs in for him, although I cannot say who.

"But we are just pleased he has decided to join us." Curtis joined United as a trainee in 1995 after graduating from the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall.

And he quickly established himself as one of the hottest properties in the youth ranks at Old Trafford after captaining United to the FA Lancashire Youth Cup.

Reserve and A team honours then followed and he was later voted the club's young player of the year.

A calm and assured defender, Curtis then made his League debut in United's 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in October 1997 and was immediately tipped for future England honours.

But, with competition for places so fierce at Old Trafford, his opportunities have been restricted over the last couple of years, despite the fact he has established himself as a Youth and England Under 21 international.

Last season, he joined Barnsley on loan and made a total of 30 appearances for the Tykes to lead them to the First Division play-off final.

Manager Dave Bassett would have loved to have signed Curtis permanently.

But once Barnsley failed to secure promotion to the Premiership that meant they were unable to meet the £1.5m asking price, leaving the door open for Rovers to make their move. Sunderland and Middlesbrough have also been linked with the player.

And the Ewood club could be ready to swoop again as they continue the chase for Liverpool left-back Stig Inge Bjornebye.

Chief executive John Williams is still hopeful of securing a deal for the Norwegian international defender despite speculation to the contrary.

Williams was locked in negotiations last night and said: "I still think that deal has legs."

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