BLACKBURN Rovers look set to cool their interest in Huddersfield hot shot Jordan Rhodes – after enquiring about the availabilty of Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.

Rovers have had two bids for the Scottish international rejected and have been warned off unceremoniously by the Terriers, who are adamant the striker won’t be sold to a Championship rival.

The Lancashire Telegraph now understands the only way interest in Rhodes will be revived is if the player himself tells Huddersfield he wants to speak to Rovers.

It is understood the 22-year-old would be keen on a switch to Ewood Park, with a bumper long-term deal believed to be on offer, but has so far been unable to discuss the move with Rovers.

Should Huddersfield grant the player permission to speak to Rovers, if he asks to, boss Steve Kean would be willing to resurrect Rovers’ bid, but the ball has now been placed very much in the player’s and Hudders-field’s court.

With Steve Kean insisting yesterday that Rovers were still in the market for another forward – despite Colin Kazim-Richards’ brace as the central striker on Sunday – efforts will be stepped up to boost their fire power from elsewhere.

Manchester City John Guidetti has already been enquired about but a £6million up front asking price is understood to have put them off, in the belief the Swede would be a bigger risk than Rhodes.

They have now turned their focus to Arsenal’s Morroccan striker Chamakh, in the hope he could be made available for a six-month loan deal.

The Lancashire Telegraph understand an enquiry was being made about the player yesterday as they look to add another striker before Saturday’s Championship opener at Ipswich.

Chamakh, 28, has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular since moving to Arsenal from Bordeaux in 2010.

The Morroccan international is likely to be pushed even further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, after Arsenal’s signing of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giraud, with Rovers hoping the lure of first team football could just tempt him into the Championship.

Meanwhile, Rovers are still waiting to complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Diogo Rosado.

The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with the club but negotiations are ongoing with Sporting about a compensation fee for his services.