BLACKBURN Rovers today denied reports they are planning to make a swoop for the Italian international defender Daniele Adani.

Stories coming out of Italy claimed the 29-year-old Inter Milan stopper is a serious target for Rovers boss Graeme Souness this summer.

But I can reveal the former Fiorentina star is not about to move to Ewood as Souness is still intent on signing the Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo.

The Ewood chief is eager to push through a deal for the 30-year-old before pre-season training starts on July 7.

Talks with Matteo and his advisers were recently put on hold whilst the Scot went on holiday with his family but he's due back in England in the next few days so further discussions are likely to take place next week, with Rovers the clear favourites to secure his signature ahead of Everton, Manchester City and Fulham.

Matteo has already indicated Rovers would be his preferred option but he'll have to take a pay-cut if the deal is to go through.

In the meantime, Rovers are also hoping to appoint a new youth team coach at some point next week.

Bobby Downes, the director of Rovers' Academy, has spent the last few weeks searching for Ian Miller's successor and, after interviewing several candidates, he's now settled on the man he wants.

"We hope to appoint someone very soon," said Downes.

"The guy we want is at another club so we are currently in the process of trying to get him out of there."

Miller was due to take charge of the new Under 18 side but he accepted an offer to become Colin Hendry's first team coach at Blackpool instead.