SAM Allardyce is desperate to sign a striker who can make an ‘immediate impact’ – with negotiations over Aruna Dindane’s potential Rovers move at a ‘delicate stage’.

The Lens striker, currently on loan with Portsmouth, yesterday confirmed he was keen on completing a move to Ewood Park – having already undergone a medical – but the parties involved are understood to still be some way from agreeing any deal.

As revealed in the Lancashire Telegraph earlier this week, Allardyce’s summer transfer budget will be unknown until the season end, leaving the Rovers boss a little bit in limbo.

Allardyce though is also understood to have several other striking targets, including Pole Robert Lewandowski, leaving any eventual deal for Dindane no formality as they carefully consider their next move.

The Rovers boss is adamant he is looking for ‘two new players max’ this summer but insists any signings would have to be capable of ‘hitting the ground running’ – admitting loan signings or lower league gambles would be unlikely.

Allardyce said: “I don’t know if we are a long way apart or what.

"Dindane has had a medical and now we are with the negotiations.

"Whether a deal can be reached is a delicate situation. We will have to see how that develops.

“Whoever we take is going to have to play a significant part next season, if it’s going to be a striker or anyone, because if we are only looking for two -– which is all we need – we want two to impact in the team straightaway, not to bring them on the fringes.

“I am not really tempted to go back into the loan market.

"I am not really a huge fan of loans at the moment in terms of if you can get someone permanently and develop them.

“These days, players are far and fewer between on loan. Valuations for players are running so high now, clubs know they can get the money they are looking for rather than loaning them out.

“Salary wise lower league players would come cheaper. But transfer fee wise I am not so sure. What we need is someone to come straight in and do a job.”