RAY Harford (pictured) is poised to make another transfer market swoop before tomorrow's deadline, with Grimsby defender Gary Croft top of the Blackburn Rovers manager's hit-list.

Harford h1as been stepping up his search for more new blood in the past few days.

And he is thought to have been in contact with Portsmouth about a couple of potential signings, as well as looking abroad.

But England under-21 star Croft has emerged as the main target, with Rovers ready to pay around £1 million for him.

They have kept tabs on Croft for some time but Grimsby were thought to be hoping to hold out for a much bigger fee for their main asset. He is a versatile defender who would certainly provide another option for the left back position and has plenty of experience, despite celebrating his 22nd birthday only last month.

Croft topped 100 League appearances with Grimsby last season and Harford has seen him in action this winter, as well as knowing of him through the England under-21 squad. Rovers managed to snatch Garry Flitcroft from Manchester City last week for £3 million, substantially less than was originally asked for him.

And it looks as though they have bargained down the asking price for Croft by refusing to pay a figure they feel is over the odds.

The player is expected to have talks with Rovers later today and the deal must be registered by tea-time tomorrow to beat this season's transfer deadline.

Rovers Reserves play Oldham Athletic at Stalybridge Celtic's ground tonight (7pm) and will take a very young squad. They choose from: Mimms, Hitchen, Tallon, Gill, Coughlan, Reed, Johnson, Morgan, Beattie, Thomas, Duff, Goodall, Chisholm, Hope.

The search for the "Rovers Mastermind" continues at Uncle Jack's , Lower Darwen, tonight (8pm) when the second heat will be held in the search for the quiz king, or queen, of Ewood. Entry fee to the quiz is £1, donated to Derian House.

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