Four potential new strikers for Blackburn Rovers

Lambert wants a striker with know-how who can get hold of the ball, keep it, and allow top-scorer Jordan Rhodes to concentrate on being a penalty-box predator.

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So we cast our eye across four frontmen who could fit the bill.

THE FRONTRUNNER

Rovers have expressed an interest in Sunderland’s Danny Graham.

While he has netted just one goal since his £5m move from top-flight rivals Swansea City, for whom he scored 21 times in 62 appearances, the 30-year-old does have a proven track record in the Championship.

And with six months remaining on his contract he would be allowed to leave Sunderland by their former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce.

THE GAMBLE

Lambert shelled out £7m to bring Libor Kozak to Aston Villa from Lazio when he was in charge of the Premier League club.

And he was given a reminder of the 6ft 3in Czech Republic international’s talents when he scored twice for Villa in an Under-21 Premier League encounter with Rovers’ young guns in November.

But while Kozak came on for Villa last Saturday he is still working his way back to full fitness after a horrific leg break ruled him out for 18 months.

THE VETERAN

Grant Holt scored 70 goals for Lambert during his highly successful three-season stay in charge of Norwich City and later linked up with the Scot again at Villa.

The 34-year-old has returned to Wigan Athletic after a loan spell at Rovers’ Championship rivals Wolves where he made only four substitute appearances.

Wigan boss Gary Caldwell recently insisted that Holt is part of his plans, but he could not say for certain he would not be heading out for a fourth loan spell.

THE OUTSIDER

When you talk about targetmen outside of the top flight none come more towering than Fulham’s Matt Smith.

The 6ft 6in forward scored 19 goals for three different clubs last season after making his name in the lower leagues.

Currently out of favour, Fulham also need to free up funds after following Rovers into a Financial Fair Play embargo.