Greek giants hunting Blackburn Rovers midfielder Petrovic (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Greek giants hunting Blackburn Rovers midfielder Petrovic

10:01am Wednesday 11th July 2012 in News By Andy Cryer , Blackburn Rovers reporter

GREEK giants Olympiakos are considering a move for Blackburn Rovers midfielder Radosav Petrovic after being told the player could be available this summer.

The Serbian midfielder struggled to make an impact at Ewood Park in his first season in English football last time round and is expected to be low down in the pecking order again this campaign.

The introduction of Danny Murphy and the continued pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s Adrien Silva in the centre of the park have shrouded his Ewood future in further uncertainty – with the likes of David Dunn, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Jason Lowe also challenging for spots in the centre of the park.

Olympiakos were beaten to the signing of Petrovic 12 months ago but, having been told by sources close to the player he may be surplus to requirements, are ready to swoop again for the 23-year-old.

The player’s price tag could prove a sticking point though with the Greek outfit struggling financially and Rovers wanting to recoup the estimated £2.5-£3million they paid.

Olympiakos are understood to be ready to attempt to take him to Greece on a season-long loan but it is unlikely Rovers would allow him to leave, unless their valuation was reached.

Efforts are ongoing to meet agreement with Sporting Lisbon over former Portuguese under 21 skipper Adrien Silva, with Rovers still hopeful the deal can be finalised.

It is also understood boss Steve Kean has made finding a versatile defender a priority, having added two strikers and two midfielders to his squad this summer.

Rovers have to yet to officially announce the appointment of former Colin Hendry on to the coaching staff, but his presence at the club’s Austrian training camp is the clearest indication yet he will be on the staff for the coming campaign.

Meanwhile Rovers’ New Zealand striker Tim Payne is relishing the challenge ahead of him as he prepares for the forthcoming Olympics campaign.

The 18-year-old will be part of the All Whites under 23 team who face Japan in Tokyo today, as their preparations for London 2012 step up a gear.

“The past year has gone by so quickly,” Payne said. “When I think back to the start of the under 17s to where I am now and everything that’s happened, it’s a dream come true.

“Having played for the All Whites is every young Kiwi footballer’s dream so it’s been a big year for me.

“Any chance to represent New Zealand is a proud moment and going to age group World Cups is a pretty cool experience.

“Playing for the different teams in just over a year something I’ll look back on and think how lucky I was at some stages and how cool it’s been.”

Meanwhile, QPR are believed to be leading the race to sign Junior Hoilett.