Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is closing in on solving his striker shortage with verbal discussions over his main target having already begun.

The Lancashire Telegraph has revealed over the past couple of days how free agent Kris Boyd and Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne are on Allardyce’s radar but it is understood neither are his immediate priority.

It is believed deals are there to be done for both front men but Rovers have yet to make an official move for either as Allardyce focuses his attention elsewhere.

Former Rangers man Boyd is unlikely to be prepared to wait much longer though, with a host of other clubs interested in his signing, and sources close to the player believe Rovers will ‘miss the boat’.

Frenchman Piquionne could remain on the market for a while longer though with his move to West Brom understood to have broken down.

Another striker linked with Rovers in the past couple of days has been Ghana’s World Cup star Asamoah Gyan but the Lancashire Telegraph understand any move for him is highly unlikely.

While any deal for a striker is still some way from being sorted, Allardyce has narrowed down his options over the last couple of days and is believed to now know who he wants.

There is no rush to bring him in before Rovers return from Austria, with the player in question understood to be in pre-season training at another club, but Allardyce is keen to finalise his squad as soon as possible.

Out of favour defender Zurab Khizanishvili has not travelled to Austria with the rest of Rovers’ squad as his Ewood future continues to be shrouded in uncertainty.

The Georgian has to date been unable to find a new club despite being told by Rovers he has no future in East Lancashire.

Meanwhile Rovers’ Australian duo and Ryan Nelsen have expressed their excitement about the club’s involvement in the inaugural Sydney Festival of Football later this month.

As well as playing their Aussie hosts, Rovers will face Glasgow Rangers and AEK Athens in a round robin tournament and it will be the first time their World Cup stars meet up again with their Premier League club.

“The world cup was an incredible experience, something I will remember forever, but now it’s back to business with Blackburn Rovers,” Nelsen said.

“I’m really looking forward to heading across to Sydney for the Festival of Football and I know the lads back in the UK are too.

“It’s an exciting concept and there are certain to be no easy games with Rangers and AEK Athens FC amongst the strongest clubs in Europe.”

Emerton added: “Events like these are vital if Australia is to host the 2022 World Cup.

“Everybody knows Sydney is a beautiful city, but there are football purists out there that would rather the game’s showpiece event go elsewhere. This is an opportunity for Sydney to stand up and show the world we are a footballing country worthy of hosting the World Cup.”

Rovers players can expect some new approaches to training this summer with boss Allardyce keen to stay ahead of the game when it comes to fitness.

“I can only see a lot of promise along the way for the Rovers. There are some new things lined up for the players this season and this includes blood testing and making sure the blood is in peak condition so that the players can recover in good time,” said Allardyce.

“A lot of emphasis will go on massages, ice baths and recovery therapy so that the players are always in prime shape to deliver,”

Brazilian defender Rodrigo Araújo, formerly of Portuguese side Boavista, is understood to have linked up with the Rovers squad in Austria on trial.