BLACKBURN Rovers chairman John Williams has denied reports Bulgarian international Ivelin Popov has already agreed a deal with the club.

Contrary to widespread reports and his club Litex Lovechs' website, which claims the 22-year-old had agreed a deal subject to obtaining a work permit, Williams insists all the talk was premature.

Popov arrived on trial at Rovers yesterday and is expected to undergo medical tests over the next few days, as Rovers continue their search for a striker.

Williams said: "He is one of a number of strikers currently under consideration. We have not made an offer to his club."