BLACKBURN Rovers are stepping up the chase for French star Sebastian Perez, writes PETE OLIVER.

Perez was at Ewood Park for further talks with Rovers chief executive John Williams today.

And while Williams is remaining guarded about Rovers' chances of landing the Bastia defender he confirmed: "It's progressing and we are having further dialogue. It is moving on."

It is the second visit to Ewood for the right-sided defender who is also being chased by crack French outfit Marseilles.

Williams admitted Marseilles are "hefty opposition" but with Rovers also in Europe the club must hope that the prospect of Uefa Cup football allied to a Premiership campaign will tip the scales their weigh.

Sources in France suggest Rovers are offering a better package but the move could hinge on whether the highly-rated Perez is ready to swap countries and cultures to further his career.

Rovers have lodged a £2.5 million bid for the player boss Roy Hodgson has identified as another key component in what could be a remodelled defence next term. Perez can play at right-back or as a right-sided centre-back and if he puts pen to paper will join Darren Peacock as reinforcements to last season's back line following Peacock's arrival from Newcastle United under the Bosman ruling.

Perez's signing would make it four new faces so far this summer following the captures of Kevin Davies and Jim Corbett.

There have been no departures as yet with Stuart Ripley's possible move to Southampton still to progress following the Saints bid for the Rovers winger.

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