BLACKBURN Rovers have opened talks with Real Sociedad winger Javier de Pedro.

Ewood chief Graeme Souness has switched his attentions to the Spanish international after scrapping his interest in Morten Gamst Pedersen.

Souness today confirmed that talks are at an 'advanced stage' and he added that fans should be excited by the prospect of the 30-year-old coming to Ewood Park next season.

"If this deal happens then the fans should be excited because he's a quality player," said Souness.

"Two years ago he played in every game for Spain in the World Cup and the only reason he hasn't signed a new contract with Sociedad is because he's had a fall out with them.

"He's a left-sided player with bags of international experience and he scores his fair share of goals from set-pieces.

"He's got terrific ability with his left foot and two seasons ago he had the most assists in the Spanish League."

Souness first became interested in the 30-year-old during the January transfer window and he's now resurrected that interest after going off Pedersen.

Southampton are also keen on De Pedro, who's available on a free, but Rovers are the favourites for his signature.

Meanwhile, Everton boss David Moyes is the latest Premiership manager to express an interest in signing the Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo.

Matteo, who's also a transfer target for Rovers, has two years left on his contract at Elland Road but could be tempted into a move following Leeds' relegation from the Premiership last season.

"He's one of a number of players we are interested in," said Moyes.

"We are keeping an eye on his situation."

Fulham and Manchester City are also thought to be interested in the former Liverpool star but Matteo's agent, Struan Marshall, has denied having talks with Celtic despite reports to the contrary.

"Dominic is not aware of any interest from Celtic. Of course I've seen the reports but neither Dominic nor myself have had any contact with them."

Rovers have already spoken to Leeds and Matteo's representatives about the possibility of signing him on a free transfer but unless he's prepared to take a serious cut on his £40,000-a-week wages then a deal looks unlikely.