EWOOD chief executive John Williams today shot down speculation linking Rovers with a new move for Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise.

Several of the Sunday tabloids claimed Rovers boss Graeme Souness had resurrected his interest in the former England star after failing in an attempt to lure him to Ewood last season.

But Williams insists the veteran playmaker is not on Souness's summer shopping list as he looks to build a squad capable of cutting it in the Premier League.

"Graeme was interested in signing Dennis last season but that never happened and he isn't part of the plans now," said Williams.

That now leaves the way clear for Fulham and Watford to fight it out for his services with the player almost certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Meanwhile, Bolton fullback Robbie Elliot has also been strongly linked with a close season move to Ewood once today's play-off final between Wanderers and Preston has been decided.

The 27-year-old full back is out of contract at the Reebok and would jump at the chance of a return to the top flight.

But, again, Williams insists the former Newcastle defender is not on Souness's short list, paving the way for his old club to take him back to Tyneside this summer. "That's a name Graeme has never mentioned to me and he's not among our list of targets," said Williams.

Souness went abroad again at the weekend on a scouting mission.

But contrary to reports elsewhere, he was not in Holland to watch Feyenoord defender Ulrich van Gobbel.

Souness has signed the 30-year-old hard-man twice before at both Southampton and Galatasaray but he is not a name on his summer shopping list.

And neither is Rangers striker Rod Wallace who has also been linked with a move to Ewood in some sections of the Press.

Rovers have now agreed personal terms with Alan Mahon, though, and the Sporting Lisbon midfielder is expected to put pen to paper on a four year contract when he returns from holiday.