BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is weighing up a possible swoop for highly-rated Notts County keeper Saul Deeney.

The Republic of Ireland Under 18 international made a big impression during a recent trial spell at Brockhall after he was recommended to Rovers' goalkeeping coach Roy Tunks.

And Souness is now considering making a move for the 19-year-old when the transfer window re-opens in January.

"We are talking to Notts County but at the minute we are a wee bit apart on what they want and what we want to pay," said Souness.

As yet, the 6ft 1in stopper has yet to appear in the Nationwide League for County where he is currently third in the queue behind the more experienced Stuart Garden and Steve Mildenhall.

But former Stoke stopper, Peter Fox, who is now the goalkeeping coach at Meadow Lane, believes his young protege is destined for a big future in the game.

And Souness may decide to follow up his initial interest in the youngster with a view to him challenging for a first team place in several years' time.

As I understand it, County would look for £100,000 for the player but Rovers would only be willing to offer around half of that figure, preferring instead to build incentives into the deal such as more money based on appearances.