BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is weighing up a swoop for Sunderland midfielder Claudio Reyna.

But any such move would not hinge on Rovers selling David Dunn to the highest bidder.

Souness wants to bolster his midfield ahead of next season's two-pronged assault on the Premiership and Europe.

And the Black Cats star, who missed much of last season with a serious knee injury, could fit the bill in either a central or wide position.

Rovers chief executive, John Williams, admitted: "Claudio is a player Graeme would like. He has been injured over the past season and that has limited the amount of football he has played, but he is still a player in the background who we are keeping an eye on."

American international Reyna looks like being forced out of the Stadium of Light following the club's disastrous relegation last season.

The 29-year-old former Glasgow Rangers star is one of the highest wage earners - reportedly earning around £25,000 per week - still on the Black Cats books.

And both Reyna and striker Kevin Phillips are likely to be the first bargains in Mick McCarthy's summer sales, as the Sunderland chief looks to slash his wage bill following the loss of Premiership revenue.

Reyna would surely jump at the chance to stay in the Premiership and another lure, should Rovers follow up their initial admiration, would be the chance to link up with US team mate Brad Friedel at Ewood.

Meanwhile, the race for David Dunn's signature is hotting up after Williams revealed at least one other mystery clubs has joined the chase for the want-away midfielder.

Birmingham remain in the driving seat to secure Dunn's signature, despite having one bid turned down by the Ewood paymasters.

But communication between the two clubs has been limited ever since and the £5.5m fee could prove a stumbling block and leave the door open for other potential suitors to jump in with an improved offer.

However, Williams warned Dunn he may yet have to bite the bullet and return to Ewood next season with his tail between his legs.

Williams said: "Nothing more has happened with regards to any potential move to Birmingham , but one or two other clubs are keen on David.

"We have reached a position where we have told City what we are prepared to accept, despite being reluctant sellers.

"We don't want to lose him, but equally you don't want to stand in a player's way when he wants to leave.

"So far, we have been unable to reach any agreement and soon we may have to think about getting on with it and David coming back for pre-season training."