SOUNESS today insisted he will not be upping his offer for Liverpool defender Djimi Traore.

Rovers had a £3 million bid for the classy Frenchman rejected earlier in the week.

But Reds boss Gerard Houllier did hint that he may be prepared to let the 21-year-old go if Souness was to up the ante.

However, the Ewood chief is adamant he won't be held to ransom and has told Houllier he can take it or leave it.

"We are currently miles apart in our valuation of the player but we will not be upping our offer," said Souness.