BOSNIAN ace Vedad Ibisevic would be interested in a January move to Blackburn Rovers – but is seeking a relegation ‘get-out’ clause to tempt him to Ewood.
Rovers boss Steve Kean is plotting a new £3.5million move for the Hoffenheim striker, having failed to land him in the summer, but knows their current Premier League woe is in danger of putting him off a switch.
Kean, who is still waiting to be told his exact budget for January, believes Ibisevic could go a long way to saving their season and is hopeful he will get the backing from his bosses to land him.
Venky’s sources say money will be available for Kean come the opening of the January transfer window, having previously stated there would be £5million available each window.
Ibisevic, 27, was ready to join Rovers in the summer but the move was held up due to fitness problems and the inability to get to England for a medical.
The Bosnian international is now back playing for Hoffenheim and scoring in the Bundesliga, with Kean still confident his goals could help rescue the season.
Vedad Ibisevic
Sources close to Ibisevic have revealed the striker would still be interested in a move to the Premier League and that a switch to Blackburn Rovers is still a possibility.
Rovers’ struggles in the Premier League are a factor that could work against Kean, although the inclusion of a ‘clause’ allowing him a summer exit should they be relegated could lure him to East Lancashire.
Kean will again make a striker his priority for January, having failed to land a number of targets towards the end of the last January window.
He is also understood to be looking at a right back, after the departure of the versatile Brett Emerton left him short in that department.
Jason Lowe has been standing in at right-back for the injured Michel Salgado but, with Kean hoping to utilise Lowe in his preferred midfield spot, another option is thought of as something of a necessity.
Rovers were interested in Manchester City’s Nedum Onuoha last summer and will be considering a more serious move for the versatile defender – although finances are likely to work against them.
Rovers are also hoping to offload some of their fringe players, either on loan or on permanent deals.
Keith Andrews is expected to exit Ewood in January with Kean hoping Ipswich are prepared to pay a fee to turn his loan deal into a full-time move.
