Blackburn Rovers news – Summer 2010

7 June, 2010 by Neuschwanstein

Following on from last years thread :

BLACKBURN Rovers have not ruled out moving back in for former targets Benjani and James Beattie as their hopes of having a new striker on board within weeks of the end of the season start to fade.

James Beattie

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce has made a centre forward his main priority this summer and had insisted that he wanted to have a signing wrapped up before the start of the World Cup on June 11, with many potential targets likely to be in greater demand after featuring in the tournament.

Benjani

But it is understood that no deal is currently imminent for any of the players they have looked at, with Rovers having pulled out of the race for Polish international Robert Lewandowski – now set to join Borussia Dortmund – because of concerns over the 21-year-old’s lack of experience.


Long-term target Aruna Dindane currently seems to be favouring a lucrative move to Qatar as he looks for a new club following the end of his loan spell at Portsmouth from Lens.


35 Comments »

  1. Neuschwanstein says:

    DAVID Dunn is expected to hand manager Sam Allardyce a huge selection dilemma as he finally shows signs of beating the injury woes that have destroyed his start to the season.

    The Rovers midfielder has been limited to just 43 minutes of action this campaign after picking up hamstring and groin injuries but is in line to be ready to make himself available for Sunderland’s Premier League Ewood visit in a fortnight.

    Last season’s talisman was expected to be a key man for Rovers in their bid for an explosive start to the current campaign, having not missed a minute of the pre-season preparations.

    But, just nine minutes into Rovers’ opener against Everton Dunn limped off and hasn’t started another Premier League match, with just a second half substitute cameo against Arsenal since.

    Dunn’s return has already suffered a false start, picking up a hamstring strain for the reserves on his comeback at the end of August, and Allardyce is wary of throwing the midfielder back into action too soon.

    Tonight’s reserve clash at Bolton would come too early for Dunn, even if the Rovers boss was prepared to risk his star man in the second-string, leaving match fitness a potential problem.

    Last season’s top scorer’s creativity has been sorely missed at times this time around with Saturday’s second half at Stoke a prime example of where Rovers have lacked his spark.

    With tough Premier League matches against Liverpool and Chelsea to follow, Allardyce will be left weighing up whether he can throw Dunn straight back into the starting line-up for Sunderland’s visit.

    The 30-year-old midfielder will use the fortnight’s international break as an opportunity to continue his push for fitness and to press his cause for a playing return, but his selection would represent a gamble.

  2. Neuschwanstein says:

    KENNY Dalglish has revealed he was set to quit Blackburn Rovers the summer before leading them to Premier League glory.

    The former Rovers boss, who led the Ewood Park outfit to the ultimate domestic triumph back in 1995, has admitted for the first time he spent his last two years at the club eyeing a Liverpool return.

    ‘King Kenny’ stunned Rovers fans when he stepped down as manager immediately after lifting the Premier League title and has finally lifted the lid on why his reign in East Lancashire came to such an abrupt end.

    In his new autobiography, My Liverpool Home: Then and Now, he admits he was desperate to return to Anfield.

    But, after summer talks saw Liverpool turn him down, he agreed to stay at Rovers for one more season.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8397505.Dalglish_shocker__I_tried_to_quit_Blackburn_Rovers_before_title_win/?ref=mr

  3. Katie says:

    BLACKBURN Rovers are awaiting a visit from their prospective buyers as the takeover process looks set to gather pace this week.

    Indian tycoon Ahsan Ali Syed is understood to have almost completed his own due diligence on the club’s finances and the next stage would involve talks between the parties at Ewood Park.

    Ali signed a Memorandum of Understanding a month ago, which gave him a month’s period of exclusivity, but the expiry of that date today is understood to not be highly significant.

    Since the high profile Ewood visit of his team of negotiators to start the due diligence process, Rovers and Ali’s camps have not met again but will do for the process to progress.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8387497.Takeover__Rovers_await_Ali_Syed_visit/?ref=mr

  4. Neuschwanstein says:

    JASON Roberts has promised Blackburn Rovers fans ‘I will always give 100 per cent’ for the club after the closure of the summer transfer window left him in Premier League limbo.

    The powerful striker was named in Rovers’ 25-man Premier League squad yesterday after surprisingly remaining at Rovers but admits the extent of his future involvement is still uncertain.

    Roberts has not been involved so far this season having been made available for sale, with both the club and the player agreeing a move away would be best for all concerned.

  5. Neuschwanstein says:

    LARS Jacobsen’s move from Blackburn Rovers to West Ham United on a free transfer has been confirmed this afternoon.

    Rovers were waiting for final confirmation that all paperwork had been completed before yesterday’s deadline after a delay because the Dane is on international duty.

    Rovers will now name their 25-man squad before today’s 5pm deadline and it will include striker Jason Roberts.

  6. Neuschwanstein says:

    THE INDIAN tycoon bidding to takeover Blackburn Rovers has vehemently denied reports he has been ordered to close down his foreign investment company.

    BBC 5 Live last night claimed Ahsan Ali Syed was ordered to fold his Bahrain-based firm Western Gulf Advisory for ‘violating the laws and regulations of Bahrain’.

    Five Live alleged action was taken against Mr Syed’s firm amid suspicions WGA was acting on behalf of a ‘hidden investor’.

    But in a statement this morning, Mr Syed said: “There is no hidden investor or any outside wealth involved in any way in the investment activities of Western Gulf Advisory (‘WGA’).

    “All our investments are based on our own financial resources and strength, and I am the sole shareholder of the company.

    “The Bahraini authorities have asked for clarification on WGA’s investment activities and we are co-operating fully with their enquiries.

    “Our Bahrain business is a separate entity to our European businesses such as Western Gulf Advisory AG, based in Switzerland, which have been responsible for executing most of WGA’s current investments, such as J&M McCabe in Ireland and Landmark in Australia.

    “WGA’s investments are always made by one of its European entities and this will also be the case for the potential takeover of Blackburn Rovers.

    “Our Bahrain business is a separate entity which is not involved in investment activities of WGA at all and has in fact very limited scope of activities.”

    Last night, when asked whether he had been ordered to close down his foreign investment company, Syed’s spokesperson Julia Thiem said: “No he hasn’t. We do deny that.

    “There is no hidden investor and I don’t know where these stories come from. It is all very easily checked legally.”

    The spokesperson said Swiss-based Western Gulf Advisory AG was making their investments, including the proposed £300million takeover of Blackburn Rovers.

    Ms Thiem added: “Let me emphasise again that Bahrain is a separate entity that has got nothing to do with our investment activities at all.

    “In fact this entity has got a very limited scope of activities.

    “With regard to the purchase of Blackburn Rovers, our European investment team is handling the negotiations with the advisors of the Jack Walker trust which are proceeding very well. “

  7. Neuschwanstein says:

    BLACKBURN Rovers defender Zurab Khizanishvili has today rejoined Reading on a season-long loan.

    Rovers had been keen to offload the Georgian and he will now return to the Madejski Stadium, where he had a loan spell last season.

    The move effectively marks the end of his time at Ewood Park, with Khizanishvili’s Rovers contract due to expire next summer.

  8. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    INDIAN tycoon Ahsan Ali Syed remains hopeful of buying Blackburn Rovers.

    The owner of Bahrain based asset management firm Western Gulf Advisory has admitted defeat in concluding the deal before Tuesday’s close of the transfer window but insists things are still on track.

    Reports today claim two new bidders have entered the race, a group from Australia and anothye from Asia, but Syed remains unconcerned.

    Mr Ali Syed has promised a £300million investment into Rovers should his takeover bid succeed, including providing manager Sam Allardyce with a short term £100m transfer kitty.

    Spokesperson Julia Thiem said: “We are progressing well and hopeful of completing the due diligence process this week. It’s fingers crossed for that.

    “Then we will approach the Premier League to complete the paperwork needed. We also have to make an offer to the minority shareholders of the club.

    “It is a little more complicated because of [the majority] of the club being owned by a trust.

    ” The lawyers say this could make the deal longer to conclude. We hope it could be done by the middle or end of September. But it is difficult to know at the moment.”

  9. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor is a £2m target for West Ham and Blackburn.

    Wanderers boss Owen Coyle could be ready to listen to offers for the versatile 28-year-old.

    West Ham boss Avram Grant wants to strengthen his squad while Blackburn would be keen if Taylor is available

    Taylor signed a new contract last year at Bolton but his reputation for spectacular goals and being able to operate in midfield or defence means he has a few admirers.

  10. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts has hinted his time may be up at Ewood Park.

    The 32-year-old has enjoyed great success with the Premier League outfit in his four years with the club but has admitted he may well have to move on if he believes his first-team opportunities will be limited next season.

    Roberts has been linked with summer moves to West Brom and Newcastle and it seems QPR will also join the chase.

    Boss Sam Allardyce recently confirmed Rovers would listen to offers for the striker.

    Roberts told skysports.com: “I’ve had four good years at Blackburn and been part of some good sides and played in Europe a few times and really enjoyed it.

    “Sometimes you come to the end of a cycle at a club and maybe it’s time for me to move on to a club with maybe some different ideas about where they are going.

    “It was a good season last year to finish inside the top ten. I scored five goals in 15 starts and ended the season strongly.

  11. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    MAME Biram Diouf insists it is a ‘pleasure’ to be playing for Blackburn Rovers after marking his debut with a goal on Saturday.

    The Senegalese international agreed to join Rovers on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United late on Friday and marked the moment with the equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Hearts.

    Diouf, 22, was made to wait until 10pm on Friday to be registered to feature in the next day’s game and, while there is still paperwork to be finalised, he is relishing the challenge ahead.

    The striker replaced youngster Nick Blackman at half time at Tynecastle and showed what he was about on the hour mark with a smart equaliser.

    He said: “It is always a pleasure to be playing football and that is why I am here. I just want to enjoy it and give my best for the team.

  12. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    SAM Allardyce expects Vince Grella to still be at Ewood Park for the new Premier League season after rubbishing rumours Galatasaray had renewed their interest in him.

    The Rovers boss gave the Australian midfielder his first start of pre-season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sydney and then insisted he ‘is still our player’ as he fine tunes his Premier League preparations.

    Reports in Australia claimed pre-match Grella would be playing his last game for Rovers before sealing a move to Turkey – with Galatasaray having already withdrawn from a £2m move for him earlier this summer.

    Sources close to the Turkish club also insist they are unaware of any new interest in Grella from Galatasaray, with the midfielder looking to make a Premier League impact this time round.

    When asked whether he could quash stories linking Grella with Galatasaray, Allardyce said: “Yes I can.

  13. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    ZURAB Khizanishvili has been offered a route out of his Ewood Park nightmare having been told he has no future at Blackburn Rovers.

    The Georgian international has been told he can leave on a free transfer this summer and is understood to have been offered a three-year deal at an unnamed Turkish outfit.

    Khizanishvili was not included in Sam Allardyce’s 26-man squad who travelled to Australia for the Sydney Festival of Football on Thursday and has been informed in no uncertain terms he does not feature in the manager’s plans.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburnrovers/news/8291996.Zurab_free_to_quit_Blackburn_Rovers/

  14. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    SAM Allardyce admits to being satisfied with the fitness levels of his Blackburn Rovers squad as they returned to England after a gruelling opening pre-season friendly.

    Rovers capped off a week of high-altitude training in Austria with an energy-sapping goalless draw against SK Sturm Graz in the UPC-Arena.

    A decent number of Blackburn supporters made the journey to watch Allardyce’s men against a side that start their Austrian top-flight campaign this weekend.

    The match was short of goalmouth action but the Rovers boss was delighted with the efforts of his players in hot conditions.

    “For the first time, we’ve put a game at the end of this very important physical week for the players to start their preparation for the start of the new season on August 14,” said Allardyce.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8266524.Allardyce_is_content_with_Blackburn_Rovers__pre_season_trip/?ref=mr

  15. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    TONY Parkes has urged Blackburn Rovers fans to ‘trust your club’ after backing the Ewood Park hierarchy to make the right decisions to secure its long-term future.

    Mumbai businessman Saurin Shah is just one suitor still in negotiations with Rovers about a potential takeover and supporters are growing increasingly concerned over the wall of silence coming from all parties.

    The Lancashire Telegraph spoke to Mr Shah yesterday though and, while he was unable to reveal any details, he insisted there were “no issues”.

    Mr Shah confirmed his group had signed a Non Disclosure Agreement with the club as discussions continue, which ensure confiden-tiality to the process.

    In an exclusive inter-view with Mr Shah a few weeks ago, he confirmed he was involved in ‘shipping and investment’ but details as to his exact business background in India remain unclear.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8258340.Blackburn_legend_Parkes_urges_fans_to_trust_club_over_takeover/

  16. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    SAM Allardyce is hoping for a quick resolution to Blackburn Rovers’ takeover saga as he looks for minimal upheaval ahead of the new Premier League season.

    Indian businessman Saurin Shah is believed to have held further talks this week with regard to his interest in purchasing the club from the Walker Trust and the Rovers boss wants the situation sorted as soon as possible.

    The Lancashire Telegraph understands Mumbai-based Mr Shah arrived in England with his consortium earlier this week as they continue their pursuit of Rovers, having already been believed to have offered in the region of £25million for the club.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8238931.Sam_hopes_for_quick_Blackburn_Rovers_takeover/?ref=mr

  17. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to move for Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic.

    Allardyce’s spies have put together a dossier on the Rapid Vienna hit man and will watch him pre-season.

    Jelavic was born in Bosnia but opted to play for the Croats and is one of their rising stars – along with £6m Nikola Kalinic who joined Rovers last year.

    Big Sam sees Jelavic, 24, as a possible partner for him.

    http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Blackburn-transfer-news-Rovers-tracking-Croatian-striker-Nikica-Jelavic-article480979.html

  18. Sharp paw tailwagger says:

    SAM Allardyce insists Vince Grella could still be an important player for Blackburn Rovers – if he can put his injury nightmare firmly in the past.

    The tough-tackling midfielder has struggled to make any impact in his two Premier League years at Ewood Park due to a series of niggling injuries, and Allardyce admits the club can’t afford for it to continue much longer.

    The Rovers boss has confirmed they were willing to listen to Galatasaray’s recent interest but, after the potential move broke down, is now looking for Grella to come good in England.

    Allardyce said: “There was some interest from Galatasaray but that appears to have drifted away.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8231083.Sam__Grella_can_still_be_important_to_Blackburn_Rovers/

  19. Jim says:

    MARTIN Olsson has committed himself to Blackburn Rovers until the summer of 2015 after signing a contract extension this weekend.

    The Swedish under 21 international starred in left midfield for Rovers last season and has been rewarded with a long term deal at the club.

  20. Jim says:

    SAM Allardyce admits he has made little progress in his bid to add extra fire power to his ranks for the coming season.

    The Rovers boss, who jets off to the World Cup in South Africa today, has been in constant touch with his chief scout over potential targets but admits the task is looking increasingly difficult.

    “I am concerned because I don’t know where we are going to get him from,” he said.

    “We need a quality player and we haven’t the huge amount of funds available that other clubs have got.

    “I am not so sure where we are going to get this key player from because it is a very difficult market in the world of football today.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8226748.Little_progress_in_Blackburn_Rovers_striker_hunt/

  21. Jim says:

    NORTH Korea’s very own Wayne Rooney has been on Blackburn Rovers’ radar for the past nine months – and the club have promised to continue to monitor his future progress.

    Jong Tae-Se captured the hearts of the footballing world with an energetic display in his country’s 2-1 defeat to Brazil in their World Cup opener on Tuesday night – but Rovers were already well aware of the striker’s talents.

    The 26-year-old spent a week on trial at Rovers’ Brockhall training centre at the start of February and, while showing glimpses of his potential, returned to Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League.

    Rovers though have told Jong’s representatives they will monitor his situation, with the start to his World Cup adventure bound to attract a host of other suitors.

    For the moment though, Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is targeting a more proven answer to his search for added fire power for the new Premier League season.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8224042.Rovers_track_the_Korean_Rooney/?ref=mr

  22. Jim says:

    Bristol City hot-shot Nicky Maynard could be heading to the Premier League this summer.

    Former Crewe trainee Maynard, 23, is in demand after banging in 21 goals last term.

    City have already rejected a recent £3.75million bid from relegated Burnley.

    And now the top-flight trio of Fulham, Blackburn and West Ham are all keeping tabs on the marksman.

    Maynard has two years left on his contract at Ashton Gate after joining from Crewe in July 2008 for a club-record £2.25m.

    Maynard scored 35 goals in 57 appearances for the Alex.

    http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-West-Ham-Fulham-and-Blackburn-chase-Bristol-City-hot-shot-Nicky-Maynard-article470781.html

  23. Jim says:

    VINCE Grella will return to Blackburn Rovers for the new Premier League season after his £2million move to Galatasaray broke down yesterday afternoon.

    A deal in principle had been agreed between the Turkish outfit and Rovers but, after a week of discussions, Galatasaray withdrew their offer after failing to agree personal terms.

    Rovers were informed yesterday by Galatasaray that their interest in Grella was officially at an end, leaving Sam Allardyce having to look for a boost to his transfer kitty elsewhere.

  24. Jim says:

    SAM Allardyce’s summer transfer search remains ‘business as usual’ with any potential Blackburn Rovers takeover still a long way from being a done deal.

    Indian businessman Saurin Shah became the first potential buyer of the club to show his hand but, with negotiations still ongoing, the Rovers boss has been told to remain focused on the immediate job in hand.

    The Indian group led by Mumbai based Shah have submitted an offer to purchase the Ewood Park outfit, but there are believed to be other interested parties also still talking to the club.

    In an exclusive interview with Shah’s uncle Niranjan, cricket’s Indian Premier League deputy chairman, he revealed to the Lancashire Telegraph funds would be available to strengthen the squad if their bid was a success.

    But, with just two months before the start of the new Premier League season, Allardyce will continue working to bring in a striker within his current budget until he is told otherwise.

    A list of alternative targets has though been drawn up should the club come into money either through transfers or new investment, but Rovers will not put everything on hold in the hope a takeover does go through.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburnrovers/news/8217060.Business_as_usual_for_Blackburn_Rovers_boss/

  25. Jim says:

    AN INDIAN entrepreneur has confirmed he has ‘serious interest’ in buying Blackburn Rovers.

    Mumbai businessman Saurin Shah has submitted an official offer to purchase the club, believed to be in the region of £25million.

    His uncle, who is deputy chairman of cricket’s lucrative Indian Premier League, said if the bid was successful significant funds would be made available to strengthen Sam Allardyce’s squad.

    Mr Shah and his backers have targeted Rovers partly because of the area’s large Asian community which they believe has untapped potential for football.

    Last night Rovers were keeping tight-lipped about the offer.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/8215605.Indian_businessman__I_want_to_buy_Blackburn_Rovers/

  26. Jim says:

    GALATASARAY are expecting to announce the signing of Vince Grella in the next 48 hours but any official Blackburn Rovers move for Real Madrid star Guti will remain on the back burner.

    A deal in principle for in the region of £2million was agreed between the Turkish giants and Rovers late last week and, after an unexpected delay, sources close to Galatasaray claim Grella has now agreed to the move and personal terms almost sorted.

    The Ewood Park outfit have yet to receive official confirmation from either Galatasaray or the player’s agent but also expect the move to be finalised before Grella’s World Cup campaign starts on Monday.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8213996.Grella_closing_on_Blackburn_Rovers_exit/

  27. Jim says:

    An Indian entrepreneur is close to completing a £25 million takeover of Blackburn Rovers after targeting the Lancashire club on account of the town’s large Asian population.

    Blackburn’s board has given Saurin Shah, little known outside his home city of Mumbai, permission to begin the due diligence process after several weeks of secret talks. He hopes to complete the takeover by mid-July and to establish strong links not only with the town’s Indian population but also, more globally, with cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL), of which his uncle, Niranjan, is deputy chairman.

    Shah approached brokers in London about buying a Barclays Premier League club in April and quickly settled upon Blackburn after learning that the town has a large Asian population as well as historical links to the textile industry. According to the 2001 Census, 14.3 per cent of Blackburn’s population is of Indian origin, with a further 11.5 per cent of Pakistani origin.

    Shah’s vision, through his Qubic Sports investment vehicle, is to create strong links between Blackburn and the IPL, which would allow cross- marketing. India is regarded by many Premier League clubs as an area of huge potential growth and Shah believes that his links with the IPL would leave Blackburn well placed to secure a strong position in that market.

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/blackburn/article7147855.ece

  28. Jim says:

    ZURAB Khizanishvili’s Ewood Park future is shrouded in uncertainty but the Georgian is now readying himself to fight for a Blackburn Rovers first team recall next season.

    The 28-year-old defender looked certain to quit Rovers this summer, having not played a Premier League match since May 2009, but a failure so far to land a move elsewhere could yet see him returning to East Lancashire for pre-season.

    Khizanishvili spent last season on loan at Championship outfits Newcastle and Reading but, despite initial hopes of making either move permanent, the clubs have not been able to follow up their initial interest.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8209017.Blackburn_Rovers_defender_ready_to_fight_for_his_place/?ref=mr

  29. Jim says:

    SHEFFIELD United are understood to be set to make a move to sign Blackburn Rovers’ reserve goalkeeper Mark Bunn after he impressed on loan last season.

    Their number one Paddy Kenny has completed a switch to QPR leaving the Blades looking for a replacement, although no official contact has yet been made.

    With Paul Robinson, Jason Brown and Frank Fielding also on Rovers’ goalkeeping books, the departure of one of their stoppers looks inevitable this summer.

  30. Jim says:

    Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce wants to save Tuncay from his Stoke frustration in a £4million swoop.

    Allardyce has launched a bid to bring the Turkey international to Ewood Park this summer.

    Tuncay will be offloaded by the Potters after failing to shine since a £5million move from Middlesbrough last season.

    And Rovers will battle Sunderland to sign the 28-year-old striker, though Allardyce may have to sell players to raise the cash.

  31. Jim says:

    BLACKBURN Rovers are willing to bide their time in their summer striker search in the hope of generating a bigger transfer kitty – but have to continually weigh up the risks of losing out on their current targets.

    Sam Allardyce’s limited transfer funds, at the moment believed to be in the region of £2.5million, have left his firepower options restricted but an alternative list of targets does exist should some player sales boost Rovers’ spending power.

    Australian midfielder Vince Grella is already closing in on a £2million move to Galatasaray and it is understood Rovers would listen to offers for a couple more ‘fringe’ players to help widen Allardyce’s transfer search.

    The Rovers boss had said he was hoping to complete all business before the start of the World Cup but, with the tournament opening on Friday, is resigned to his search to going on for a few weeks yet.

    While no offers have been received for anyone except Grella, a couple of departures could loosen the purse strings to the tune of double their transfer pot – paving the way for a ‘bigger name’ striker either with a higher price tag or more expensive wages.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8206807.Blackburn_Rovers_set_for_striker_waiting_game/?ref=mr

  32. Jim says:

    BLACKBURN Rovers starlet Junior Hoilett is closing in on committing his international future to Canada, although no final decision has yet been made.

    The 20-year-old winger is eligible for Jamaica and Canada, or could even choose to wait to qualify for England, but the signs are he is ready to give his birth country a chance.

    His dad and agent David Hoilett senior, said: “We are happy with the direction in which the national programme in Canada is heading at the moment.

    “Some of the concerns that we had, and had expressed in the pass are being addressed, such as an increase in the quaility and quantity of exhibition games that are played and the style of play.

    http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8206810.Blackburn_Rovers_starlet_set_to_opt_for_Canada/?ref=mr

  33. Jim says:

    French champions Marseille are ready to take unwanted Roque Santa Cruz off Manchester City’s hands after watching the striker in action for Paraguay.

    Marseille coach Franck Passi was in the stands taking notes as Santa Cruz, 28, starred for Paraguay as they beat Greece 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Switzerland.

    Marseille boss Didier Deschamps wants to launch an assault on the Champions League next season but only has a budget of £14million to play with. City will be prepared to let Santa Cruz go a cut-price £8m.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1284489/Roque-Santa-Cruz-offered-escape-Manchester-City-French-champions-Marseille.html

  34. Jim says:

    West Bromwich Albion have joined the race to sign the teenage Stromsgodset striker Marcus Pedersen.

    Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo has sent his scouts to Norway to run the rule over the 19-year-old. But Albion are among a host of clubs keen on the Norwegian under-21 international.

    Pedersen has also been watched by Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Everton and Fulham as well as Heerenveen, FC Twente, Hamburg, Auxerre and Anderlecht.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1284492/West-Brom-join-race-Norwegian-sensation-Marcus-Pedersen.html

  35. Jim says:

    Blackburn Rovers are a takeover target for TWO mystery bidders– one led by an Indian cricket entrepreneur and a Thai group with links to ex-Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

    ?Rovers are still owned by the late Jack Walker’s trustees, but the Jersey-based money men are interested in a sale. ?

    There is the possibility of an auction between the Indian group and the Thais – the identity of both parties is being kept secret – although there is also some caution about where the money is coming from and what their intentions are. ?

    http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2010/06/06/two-mystery-buyers-target-blackburn-102039-22313100/

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