BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is weighing up a move for St Etienne star Pape Sarr.

The classy Senegalese midfielder, described as the 'new Patrick Vieira,' has been recommended to the Ewood chief.

And Souness looks set to watch the player in action against Lyon in France tonight.

"He's a player that's been recommended to Graeme through the scouting networks," said chief executive John Williams.

"He's going out to watch him, possibly even tonight.

"But I want to stress that's all it is at the moment. We don't really know much about the circumstances of the player or the club's stance in regard to whether he's available or not." Sarr is fast becoming one of the hottest properties in France after helping St Etienne to the Second Division title in 1999.

Last season, big-spending Lyon tried to buy him only to be refused point-blank by the St Etienne directors.

And Monaco and Marseille have also been linked with bids according to his agent, Willy MacKay, the man also behind the move to bring his St Etienne team-mate, Lucien Mettomo, to Ewood earlier in the season.

"He's currently St Etienne's best player," said MacKay. "Monaco and Marseille both bid around £4 million for him last year.

"And a lot of French and Italian clubs are also showing an interest in him at the moment.

"He's a very strong, athletic, player who likes to get from box to box.

"People have compared him to Patrick Vieira but he scores more goals than him.

"I look after the likes of Frederic Kanoute and Titi Camara and this guy could also play at the same level as them.

"Graeme Souness and Alan Murray have both been asking about him and Graeme is due to come over and watch him tonight.

"I know he also saw Titi at Everton at the weekend and sounded him out as well because he used to know him from his St Etienne days."

Meanwhile, Rovers are hopeful of tying up England Under 21 skipper David Dunn on a long term contract in the New Year.

As we exclusively revealed last week, Dunn has been in talks with the club about a new, improved contract.

And, after further discussions this week, chief executive John Williams is confident of a successful conclusion.

"We've had some more discussions and, hopefully, things should be concluded early in the New Year," said Williams.

"So things are moving on."

Dunn's current contract with Rovers is set to expire in 2003.