BLACKBURN Rovers are still interested in signing Andy Cole this summer - but the former Manchester United striker would have to take a pay cut to make an Ewood return possible.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes has already bolstered his strike-force with the signings of Craig Bellamy and Shefki Kuqi during the last couple of weeks, but he hasn't ruled out adding another forward to his squad before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month and Cole would fit the bill if he was allowed to leave Fulham on a free.

The 33-year-old is thought to be keen on a return and he still has a house in the north west, despite quitting Rovers for Fulham on a free 12 months ago.

However, Cole is one of the highest earners at Craven Cottage and he would have to agree to take a significant drop in wages to make him affordable to Hughes, who's working to a tight budget following his £4 million capture of Bellamy.

Ideally, Hughes would like to sign a versatile defender and another keeper before the season kicks off on August 13, but he's been told he will have to sell before he can buy again.

There is still scope to sign players on frees, though, and Hughes is open to the idea of making a swoop for someone like Cole, providing it's financially viable.

"It's a case of seeing what we can do," said the Rovers boss.

"Opportunities will present themselves over time and we'll have to access where we are."

In the meantime, Rovers have ruled out the possibility of resurrecting their interest in Porto striker Benni McCarthy.

Hughes had two separate bids rejected for the South African international earlier in the summer and after signing Bellamy, he no longer has the funds available to pursue that interest with Porto looking for £6 million for the 27-year-old.