BLACKBURN Rovers boss Sam Allardyce admits it has become ‘almost impossible’ to permanently sign a new striker but insists there are options still open to him.

The Rovers boss, who confirmed his interest in Norwegian forward Erik Huseklepp, believes they may have to settle on another loan signing as he looks for the final piece in the jigsaw.

Brann’s Huseklepp, 25, scored a brace against France in midweek to heighten Rovers’ interest and Allardyce admitted he was one ‘iron in the fire’.

But, having struggled to permanently secure a player so far this summer, he admits he may have to resort to the loan market.

He said: “Trying to find a player to sign on a permanent basis seems an almost impossibility. But then at this stage of the season, loan opportunities become more and more available.

“Our focus is on one striker and that can come in many different ways, particularly trying to buy one is quite difficult. We have been trying that all summer, they have come and they have gone – your Aruna Dindanes and Piquionnes.

“We haven’t been able to quite secure the fee or the wages or vice versa.

“We have Mame Diouf and that may be the best option to get the type of player we need to get here on loan for another season.”

Allardyce confirmed Benjani was training with his squad but said club staff were still assessing his condition.