ARGENTINIAN under-21 international Nicolas Burdisso will not be added to Blackburn's list of summer transfer targets, despite Liverpool defender Djimi Traore's decision to stay at Anfield.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness has been a long-standing admirer of Traore and was thought to be lining up a bid in his efforts to strengthen his defensive department.

However, it appears that any approach for the 21-year-old Frenchman will fall on deaf ears with Traore keen to honour a recently signed four-year contract with the UEFA Cup winners, despite the recent arrival of Norwegian John Arne Riise.

"I wouldn't have signed that contract if I thought I would move on," said Traore.

"I am still learning and what better place to learn than under Gerard Houllier at Liverpool? I love it here, and just to be handed the captaincy of the reserves is a huge honour."

Souness is looking to bring in an extra left-sided defender and had also been linked with Bolton's Robbie Elliott, who has elected to return to Newcastle United and sign a four-year contract under the Bosman ruling.

And while Traore's preferred position is more central, he made his Liverpool debut at left-back early last season before a hamstring injury in November kept him out for much of the rest of of the campaign.

Burdisso had been mentioned as a possible alternative, with the highly-rated Boca Juniors player reportedly attracting interest among the Blackburn scouting network.

The 19-year-old defender is seen as one of the rising stars of Argentinian football and played against England under-21s last season.

However, Rovers have denied an interest in the player and Souness's search will take him elsewhere.