BLACKBURN Rovers have emerged as the clear favourites in the race to sign Liverpool left-back Stig Inge Bjornebye.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness has been battling with Brondby for the signature of the Norwegian international defender.

But the Danish side now look set to pull out of the running for the 30-year-old -- leaving the way clear for Souness to snap us his man, possibly even later this week.

Bjornebye completed the final game of his loan spell from Anfield yesterday when he played in Brondby's 1-0 win over Aalborg -- a result which guaranteed them the runners-up spot in the Danish league.

And the player Souness originally signed from Rosenborg for Liverpool is now set to make a decision on his future in the next few days.

But the Danes now appear to have had a re-think over the player, putting Rovers firmly in pole position.

The Brondby manager is still keen to make a swoop for the defender but the club's managing director insists Bjornebye is now out of their price range because he is demanding an 'English wage'.

And that would then leave the player with a straight decision between staying at Anfield or opting for Ewood.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier clearly does not fancy the 30-year and was linked with a £6m move for Middlesbrough wing-back Christian Ziege this weekend.

So a move to Rovers would appear to be a tempting offer for Bjornebye where he could link up with Souness again, the man who gave him his first break in English football. But, one player who is not Ewood bound, however, is former Rovers man Chris Coleman.

Souness was linked with a £3m move for the Fulham defender yesterday, according to one national paper.

But, although the Welsh international's name has been mentioned as a possible target, Souness has decided not to follow up his initial interest.

"There's nothing in that. It is not a runner," said chief executive John Williams.

Meanwhile, Rovers have also quashed further speculation linking Damien Duff with a possible move to Newcastle United.

According to one report, Rovers have quoted Geordie boss Bobby Robson a price of £8m for the highly-rated Republic of Ireland international.

But John Williams insists the wing-wizard is not for sale.

"The stories I have heard over the weekend are not true," said Williams.

"We have not put a price on Damien Duff's head because he simply is not for sale.

"So talk of £8m is way off the mark because there is no price."

Rovers trio Damien Duff, Alan Kelly and Jason McAteer have been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for tomorrow's friendly with Scotland.

But Rovers midfielder Per Frandsen is facing Euro 2000 heartbreak as Denmark prepare to unveil their squad for the championships tonight.

The Danes recently held a training camp for all their foreign-based players and the former Bolton man did not receive an invite, sparkling speculation that he will miss out on the final 22.