BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness today underlined his determination to bring in a new defender before the start of the season.

Souness has already strengthened his midfield and attack this summer with the signings of Paul Dickov and Javier De Pedro.

Now the Ewood chief is hoping to shore up his leaky defence with the capture of a new stopper -- and Leeds United skipper Dominic Matteo remains the name at the top of his wanted list.

However, with funds tight, he may have to off-load a member of his first team squad before he can push through a deal for the 30-year-old.

"I still want to strengthen at the back," said Souness, who's now back in the country following a two-week holiday in America.

"Last year we finished the fifth or sixth top scorers in the league and we also had an excellent away record.

"But what concerned me was the manner in which we conceded so many soft goals and if we can eliminate that then that should see us moving in the right direction next season.

"Our midfield has already been strengthened by the return of David Thompson and Barry Ferguson and we've added a new striker in the shape of Paul Dickov.

"We've also brought in Javier De Pedro, who'll give us quality on the left, so the next step must now be to strengthen at the back.

"I know people might say we should have been looking at the back first when you look at the goals we conceded last season and it's nice if you can get all your ducks in a row.

"But football isn't always like that. Sometimes deals come up which you've got to do there and then otherwise you could miss out on a good player."

Rovers have already held talks with Matteo and his advisers about a free transfer move to Ewood this summer.

And Souness believes the former Liverpool star would be a useful man to have around next season because of his ability to play in a number of different positions.

"Hopefully, we can get Dominic in before the start of the season," added Souness.

"That would give us cover in a number of positions because he can play as a defensive midfielder, as a left-back or, indeed, anywhere across the back four.

"It's that kind of versatility which appeals to me."

Souness may well have to off-load either Andy Todd or Dwight Yorke in order to fund a deal for Matteo, who's available on a free but is one of Leeds' highest earners.