TOP Russian striker Igor Kolyvanov is the latest name to be linked with Blackburn Rovers.

But fans should not hold their breath in anticipation.

The 29-year-old is being chased for his signature by both Rovers and Liverpool according to Moscow reports.

Unsettled at Italian club Bologna, it is believed that he wants to leave for England with his wife and young daughter.

Blackburn Rovers chairman Robert Coar today maintained a silence on the subject.

But the implications are that Kolyvanov is not on new Rovers manager Roy Hodgson's shopping list.

Hodgson certainly wants new strike power for next season and the signing of at least one forward is expected at Ewood Park this summer.

But any deal with the Russian would be complicated.

It requires the agreement of Foggia, who brought Kolyvanov to Italy from Moscow Dynamo.

A Russian national team regular, Kolyvanov moved to Bologna following Foggia's relegation from Serie A last year.

Bologna are reportedly keen to buy him out from Foggia in order to sell him on to an English club. Meanwhile, there is growing expectation that Shay Given, who will play for the Republic of Ireland against Liechtenstein tomorrow night at Lansdowne Road, will finally link up with Newcastle United this week.

The 21-year-old, from Lifford in County Donegal, is certain to be reunited for the new season with Kenny Dalglish, the man who brought him to Ewood Park from Celtic and is a long-time Given admirer.

Starved of first team football at Blackburn Rovers with Tim Flowers still number one choice, Given is moving on to enhance his opportunities with the Republic of Ireland under Mick McCarthy.

Tomorrow night he is playing only because of Sheffield United keeper Alan Kelly's injury.

He wants to make himself McCarthy's first choice. Shay Given has written to us and politely declined his offer," said Mr Coar.

Obviously things will move on from there.

"It's nothing unexpected - the lad wants to be playing football because of his international ambitions.

"But we have an international keeper of some repute in Tim Flowers so first team football could not be guaranteed to Shay.

"But the lad has done everything right - he's written to us and explained his position.

"He's done what he's had to do."

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