BLACKBURN striker Marcus Bent was today on the brink of a shock move to Ipswich Town.

I can exclusively reveal Rovers HAVE accepted a verbal offer for the 23-year-old striker in the last 24 hours.

And a £3 million deal could even be completed in time for the weekend after the Ewood board have given the Blues permission to speak to the player.

Ewood officials were remaining tight-lipped today about the possibility of any move.

But I can confirm Bent and his advisers will watch Town in UEFA Cup action against Inter Milan tonight with a view to signing on the dotted line.

And a deal now looks a formality after Rovers boss Graeme Souness made it plain the former Sheffield United man no longer features in his long-term plans.

Bent cost Rovers £2.1 million last November and played a leading role in the club's charge to promotion.

But he has failed to command a regular place in the Premiership and has yet to score this term.

If he leaves, he could soon be followed out of the Ewood exit door by Italian hit-man Ciccio Grabbi.

Advisers close to the former Juventus star last night claimed the 26-year-old striker has set his heart on a move to Napoli.

Beppe Accardi, one of the agents instrumental in bringing him to Ewood, said: "He has told me he loves Napoli as a city and a club and would do anything to join them.

"He is keeping his fingers crossed the two parties can find some common ground and come up with a settlement."

As yet, Rovers have not received an official bid from anyone, despite stories in the Italian Press linking him with both Napoli and Bologna.

But the Serie B promotion contenders are clearly interested in the unsettled frontman.

"Grabbi is a very good player and we know about this news (in the papers), but obviously we're not going to say anything else on the subject," said club spokesman Gianluca Vigliotti.

Reports suggesting the Italians have already offered Czech midfielder Marek Jankulovski in part exchange, however, have no foundation.

As yet, Rovers have stressed they are in no rush to sell the player, who cost £6.75 million from Ternana in the summer.

But, after failing to settle during his time in England, manager Graeme Souness is thought to be ready to do business if a suitable offer comes in.

Chief executive John Williams remained coy today, saying: "Napoli are one of the clubs that made an enquiry through a third party and it would seem as though they have a real interest.

"But we have to wait and see if we receive any offers before we can contemplate anything."

If both players end up leaving then Souness will be given the proceedings from both of those sales to reinvest in quality replacements.