SAMPDORIA coach Sven Goran Ericsson has dampened speculation that he will be among the front-runners to take over as the new boss of Blackburn Rovers.

But the link with the Swedish coach underlines that Rovers' search for a successor to Ray Harford now extends right across Europe.

And, while Ericsson today denied there had been any approach from Ewood, I still believe that they have been looking in Italy and, if they decide to go for a top man from Serie A, then it is more likely to be Inter Milan's Englishman abroad, Roy Hodgson.

Although Hodgson has said in the past that he was not particularly anxious to return to England, where he made little impression as a player or manager, he would seem to have all the attributes of an ideal target.

He enjoyed tremendous success in Sweden, then with Switzerland before landing one of the top club jobs in Europe with Internazionale. But, of course, there is all the hassle that goes with such a post.

I understand Hodgson's contract runs until next summer which could be a problem if Rovers were to try to bring him to England quickly, especially with Inter challenging for both the championship and the UEFA Cup.

Few club managers, however, have the experience of Hodgson and he would be well aware of the best players throughout Europe which could be a crucial factor as Rovers continue their search.

If he was to make himself available, Hodgson would be a difficult man to ignore.

Meanwhile Ericsson was fairly non-commital, though he said he expects to see out his contract at Sampdoria.

It expires in summer.

"I am surprised by these stories and wonder where they have come from," he said.

"Maybe in July I can study my options.

"I have certainly not talked to anyone from Blackburn, or had an approach from that club." Despite what the national newspapers reported some time ago, they have not drawn up a short list. But I am sure that some of the names mentioned can be ruled out.

Terry Venables would have been a leading contender and Rovers spoke to him shortly after Harford's departure. But the former England coach wants to keep his options open.

Rovers would have been ready to pay him a king's ransom if he had come to Ewood but that looks a non-starter now and a job based in Europe with Australia seems a likelier avenue for him.

Venables has stayed tight-lipped throughout.

"A few people have asked me about this but I am just not discussing it," he said. "So many things have happened in the last few months and I don't want to discuss anybody else's business."

I believe Rovers would have taken Venables but it seems he has made himself unavailable.

It also seems unlikely that they would pursue any interest in Howard Wilkinson or Bruce Rioch.

Neither have the sort of profile that the fans would demand and both have been axed relatively recently by Premiership rivals.

The big problem domestically is the charter which puts a block on approaching another Premier League club boss.

But, if there is a top boss in work who wants the Ewood job, the club might yet have to go for him and accept whatever consequences arise from it.

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