Premier League

Report: Blackburn Rovers Step-Up The Search For Santa Cruz’s Replacement

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce is preparing for the Paraguayan's exit from Ewood Park.

Jan 27, 2009 8:58:05 AM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Zigic, Getafe-Racing (Marca)

Teams

Blackburn

Players

According to a report in British tabloid the Daily Mirror, Nikola Zigic has emerged as Blackburn Rovers' top transfer target to replace Roque Santa Cruz, who has been strongly linked with Manchester City.

It is claimed that Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been in Spain to watch the Serbian international striker in action for Racing Santander.

The 6ft 8in giant of a forward has scored three goals in four games, but only returned to the Racinguistas on loan from Valencia earlier this month. His loan deal makes it virtually impossible for him to move to England this month so any deal would have to be done during the summer.

It had been reported that Austrian international Marc Janko had also caught Allardyce's eye after scoring 45 goals in 58 games for current club Red Bull Salzburg, but the Lancashire club are apparently unable to meet his valuation.

Zigic's fellow Serbian international forward Milan Jovanovic has also been linked with a move to Ewood Park, after Rovers assistant manager Neil McDonald was spotted watching Standard Liege.

The 27-year-old has found the back of the net 37 times in 81 games for Les Rouches and could be available for a fee of €7.5 million (£7 million).

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!