RAY Harford went abroad again yesterday, attempting to take Blackburn Rovers' interest in Germany's Euro 96 hero Oliver Bierhoff a stage further, writes Peter White.

But whether Rovers can persuade Udinese to part with the 28-year-old striker soon enough to help the Ewood cause remains to be seen.

Italian sources told me today that talks were ongoing but only at an initial stage and that the player's club might not want to release Bierhoff until they could find a replacement.

That cannot happen until later in the year, when the Italian "transfer window" re-opens for a short time.

The Rovers boss was still away this morning and is clearly determined to do all he can to bring in a top name.

Harford made Bierhoff a potential target some time ago after scrutinising several strikers currently playing in Italy. And, as we reported at the weekend, he has stepped up his efforts to bring in a player rated at around £5 million by his club.

But, if progress cannot be made reasonably quickly, then Rovers might well have to turn their attentions elsewhere.

Yesterday's speculation that the club had begun talks with Jurgen Klinsmann, said to be unhappy at Bayern Munich, was off the mark as they still had Bierhoff in their sights.

And, today, Klinsmann is reported as saying he wants to stay in Germany.

But if they draw a blank on Bierhoff - or discover they have to wait longer than they prefer - then Rovers will have to consider every other option, including the likes of Klinsmann.

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