SAM Allardyce’s fears look set to be realised with Zenit St Petersburg ready to swoop for Blackburn Rovers’ target Guti.

The Rovers boss has already revealed he would love to bring the Real Madrid midfielder to Ewood Park this summer but believes he may miss out as he focuses on his striker search.

Russian outfit Zenit are now keen to sign Guti on a free transfer with Allardyce unable to move before he has sorted out his shortage of forwards.

Allardyce was hopeful he could renew his interest in Guti later this month, if the funds were available, but Zenit’s interest will leave him fearing the worst.