BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is closing in on a bargain swoop for former Wanderers defender Andy Todd.

The Charlton centre-back is currently on trial at Rovers with a view to a cut-price deal.

Todd has completed a loan spell at Grimsby and could be allowed to move in the summer.

And the early indications are that he's made a favourable impression on Souness and his coaching staff during his first few days at Brockhall.

"Andy Todd has been training with us and he will be staying at Brockhall for the rest of this week," said chief executive John Williams today.

"Obviously, if he's training with us then Graeme has an interest in him and he seems to have been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"But we have not got up to the stage yet where we've talked about anything permanent."

The versatile 27-year-old, who is the son of former Wanderers boss Colin Todd, has a wealth of experience both in the Premiership and the First Division.

However, he also has something of a chequered past having been involved in several controversial training ground bust-ups at both Wanderers and Charlton in recent years.

Nevertheless, Souness may feel he's the type of strong character needed to get the best out of a player who can operate either as a centre-back or a full-back. But he could face competition for his services as Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is also said to be keen on talking to Todd later this week.

Rovers have denied rumours that they are interested in Leeds United centre-back Jonathan Woodgate, though.

"There's nothing in that at all," added Williams, when asked about a proposed £8 million swoop.