GERMANY'S Euro 96 goal hero Oliver Bierhoff is the latest name to be thrown at Blackburn Rovers from Italian clubs, well aware of the fact that Ray Harford is in the transfer market with big money to spend.

And the Udinese striker is a far more realistic proposition than some of the players which Serie A clubs are seeking to unload.

Italian sources said today: "He is a big enough player, internationally, to have the sort of impact that Blackburn need and that wouldn't be the case with most of the others.

"They would, however, probably have to pay more than before what happened in summer."

But, while maintaining a worldwide search for talent, I still believe Rovers intend to pin their faith in Chris Sutton to lead the front line and he is making good progress in his recovery from a ligament injury.

That doesn't rule out a new signing. They still need one.

But it must be a star name.

Players are continually being touted to Rovers and, with no game this weekend, they could well have representatives abroad again - possibly in Italy - with someone like Bierhoff worth a look. Meanwhile, flying winger George Donis is ready to turn up the heat on Leeds tonight, after returning yesterday from Greece, where soaring temperatures made their World Cup qualifier against Bosnia a test of stamina for the players.

Donis helped Greece take a first-half lead before being substituted. They went on to win 3-0 in Kalamata and he was not too unhappy about being taken off, after a long, tiring trip and with the game being played in stifling heat.

He could be a key figure, as Rovers bid to claim their first win of the new season.

Harford needs to check Kevin Gallacher who didn't start Scotland's goalless draw in Austria but suffered a strain at the top of his thigh during a warm-up.

If he is fit, Rovers could go with the side which drew 2-2 at Old Trafford. If not, they have plenty of contenders for a place, including Garry Flitcroft, who will also need checking after missing the last match with a thigh strain, and fit-again Billy McKinlay.

Graham Fenton and Niklas Gudmundsson will challenge up front.

Or, with Leeds playing three central defenders, Rovers could start with one striker as they did at Aston Villa.

Harford wasn't too happy about the international break after the way the team played at Old Trafford. But he said: "Every game so far has seen an improvement and that's what we have to try to continue to do." Rovers are set to choose from: Flowers, Berg, Hendry, Coleman, Kenna, Donis, Sherwood, Bohinen, Ripley, Gallacher, Warhurst, Pearce, Fenton, Marker, Croft, Given, McKinlay, Flitcroft, Gudmundsson, Holmes.

Leeds, like Rovers, have some long-term injury problems and are expected to pair summer signing Ian Rush with loan man Mark Hateley in attack.

They are expected to choose from: Martyn, Couzens, Jobson, Palmer, Wetherall, Harte, Tinkler, Bowyer, Sharpe, Rush, Hateley, Kelly, Kewell, Radebe, Wallace, Beeney.

A special £1,000 scratchcard draw (orange cards) will take place at half-time tonight, in addition to the usual Rovers Return draw.

Tickets for tonight's game are on sale until kick-off (7-45pm).

Radio Rovers will broadcast the recent sports forum with manager Ray Harford and chairman Robert Coar from 5-45pm tonight.

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