Rovers hope to net Fulham’s Etuhu

9:00am Friday 3rd August 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Andy Cryer, Blackburn Rovers reporter

BLACKBURN Rovers are hoping to have Dickson Etuhu on board in time for this evening’s pre-season friendly in Holland – as they look set to make their seventh summer signing.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands Rovers were close to agreeing a fee for the Fulham midfielder last night, in the region of £1.5million, and are confident of sealing the deal today.

The 30-year-old Nigerian is keen to come to East Lancashire, having talked to former Cottagers team mate Danny Murphy, with personal terms understood to not be a problem.

Rovers were last night attempting to finalise the transfer with Fulham but were hopeful there would be no stumbling blocks.

Meanwhile Rovers have made a formal bid for Huddersfield Town hot shot Jordan Rhodes as they do battle with Premier League Fulham for his signature.

It is understood a bid for the 22-year-old Scottish international was made by Rovers yesterday, after being given the go-ahead by owners Venky’s.

It would take an offer in excess of £6million to land the highly-rated youngster, but Rovers are willing to offer a lucrative individual package in an attempt to see off their Premier League rivals.

Rovers have been quietly searching for a central midfielder to partner Murphy, since being rejected in their efforts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Adrien Silva.

They have already added Leon Best, Murphy, Nuno Gomes, Fabio Nunes, Edinho and Paulo Jorge to their squad for the coming Championship campaign - and are planning a few more yet.

The addition of Etuhu is likely to be their last move in the midfield department, but two strikers and a versatile defender are still on their wish list.

Rovers travelled to Holland yesterday, ahead of their two games in three days this weekend.

Rovers play Go Ahead Eagles in Deventer this evening before travelling to NEC Nijmegen for a clash on Sunday.

Even if Etuhu is not signed in time for this evening, Rovers would hope to get pen to paper in time for their second match on tour.

The 30-year-old started his career at Manchester City, before signing for Preston in 2002 for £300,000.

He made more than 150 appearances for Preston in four years at the club, before enjoying spells at Norwich City and Sunderland.

The 6ft 2ins midfielder has been at Fulham since 2008 but has been told this summer he is surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage.

Comments (35)

9:14am Fri 3 Aug 12

carlmc1 says...

Rhodes would be a major coup, but will it really happen?
Rhodes would be a major coup, but will it really happen? carlmc1

9:16am Fri 3 Aug 12

carlmc1 says...

I see a theme here. We already have Goodwillie, we have been after Cox and now we are in for Dickson.

I reckon we might name the riverside after one of our former strikers. The new stand will be the Norman Bell End”
I see a theme here. We already have Goodwillie, we have been after Cox and now we are in for Dickson. I reckon we might name the riverside after one of our former strikers. The new stand will be the Norman Bell End” carlmc1

9:17am Fri 3 Aug 12

French Rover says...

The fee sounds quite good for a decent midfielder who will add some much needed bite and strength to our midfield. This is an area that we have been weak in for a number of seasons now. Just need a defender still and Rhodes from Huddersfield. Now he would be an excellent signing....
The fee sounds quite good for a decent midfielder who will add some much needed bite and strength to our midfield. This is an area that we have been weak in for a number of seasons now. Just need a defender still and Rhodes from Huddersfield. Now he would be an excellent signing.... French Rover

9:23am Fri 3 Aug 12

RobbyRover says...

Etuhu would be a great signing, as would Jordan Rhodes. All we need now is a manager and we'd be flying!
Etuhu would be a great signing, as would Jordan Rhodes. All we need now is a manager and we'd be flying! RobbyRover

9:25am Fri 3 Aug 12

ronnie clayton says...

KEAN wants to get rid of MGP because he gets paid 30,000 pounds a week ? whats the biggest waste of money ,that or Keans 1.2 million a year ? or even worse his chaffeur that takes Kean to the pub and back HENDRY ON 400,000 pounds year ?
KEAN wants to get rid of MGP because he gets paid 30,000 pounds a week ? whats the biggest waste of money ,that or Keans 1.2 million a year ? or even worse his chaffeur that takes Kean to the pub and back HENDRY ON 400,000 pounds year ? ronnie clayton

9:27am Fri 3 Aug 12

He Looks So Good In Training says...

Kean quoted as saying 'signing the new Aaron Mokoena!!
Kean quoted as saying 'signing the new Aaron Mokoena!! He Looks So Good In Training

9:28am Fri 3 Aug 12

Judge Nic Sanders says...

The Bell End stands next to the tunnel
The Bell End stands next to the tunnel Judge Nic Sanders

9:35am Fri 3 Aug 12

carlmc1 says...

Judge Nic Sanders wrote:
The Bell End stands next to the tunnel
True
[quote][p][bold]Judge Nic Sanders[/bold] wrote: The Bell End stands next to the tunnel[/p][/quote]True carlmc1

9:45am Fri 3 Aug 12

Nurseman says...

Judge Nic Sanders wrote:
The Bell End stands next to the tunnel
Crude but funny!
[quote][p][bold]Judge Nic Sanders[/bold] wrote: The Bell End stands next to the tunnel[/p][/quote]Crude but funny! Nurseman

10:12am Fri 3 Aug 12

Only1Garner says...

Stop insulting bell ends
Stop insulting bell ends Only1Garner

10:16am Fri 3 Aug 12

adcr says...

By signing etuhu we are giving fulham more money to increase their bid for rhodes. Not a bad signing though, but with him being surplus to requirements at fulham and being 30 years old, I would have thought that maybe we could have got him on a free transfer. After all we had to release internationals such as andrews and roberts on frees when we no longer wanted them.
By signing etuhu we are giving fulham more money to increase their bid for rhodes. Not a bad signing though, but with him being surplus to requirements at fulham and being 30 years old, I would have thought that maybe we could have got him on a free transfer. After all we had to release internationals such as andrews and roberts on frees when we no longer wanted them. adcr

10:19am Fri 3 Aug 12

A Darener says...

The Venky's certainly know how to fool people. They dangle carrots in front of the fans, then say oh well! we tried, but in the end we didn't get the player we wanted.
The Venky's certainly know how to fool people. They dangle carrots in front of the fans, then say oh well! we tried, but in the end we didn't get the player we wanted. A Darener

10:29am Fri 3 Aug 12

Roverstildeath says...

£6 million for Rhodes?!!?!?! a player thats only proven himself for league 1 i thought we were aiming for the premier league we need to get there by signing cheap proven premier league players not wasting our money on someone who will most likely flop jermaine beckford was a decent league 1 player who signed for a large fee by a premier league club and where is he now?
£6 million for Rhodes?!!?!?! a player thats only proven himself for league 1 i thought we were aiming for the premier league we need to get there by signing cheap proven premier league players not wasting our money on someone who will most likely flop jermaine beckford was a decent league 1 player who signed for a large fee by a premier league club and where is he now? Roverstildeath

10:53am Fri 3 Aug 12

Rovers 1495 says...

OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ?
OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ? Rovers 1495

10:55am Fri 3 Aug 12

carlmc1 says...

Rovers 1495 wrote:
OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ?
We are at a bit of a cross Rhodes with that one!
[quote][p][bold]Rovers 1495[/bold] wrote: OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ?[/p][/quote]We are at a bit of a cross Rhodes with that one! carlmc1

10:56am Fri 3 Aug 12

Sherwoodforest says...

DEFENDERS
DEFENDERS Sherwoodforest

10:58am Fri 3 Aug 12

davemal says...

I don't think it matters who we get in, with Kean in charge. Rovers I fear are only heading in one direction, Down.
Change the manager and things will definitely improve.
I don't think it matters who we get in, with Kean in charge. Rovers I fear are only heading in one direction, Down. Change the manager and things will definitely improve. davemal

11:03am Fri 3 Aug 12

Rovers 1495 says...

carlmc1 wrote:
Rovers 1495 wrote:
OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ?
We are at a bit of a cross Rhodes with that one!
Or the Venkys went to the cash point and were refused 6 million
[quote][p][bold]carlmc1[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Rovers 1495[/bold] wrote: OK, and what about Rhodes ? Why is that taking longer ?[/p][/quote]We are at a bit of a cross Rhodes with that one![/p][/quote]Or the Venkys went to the cash point and were refused 6 million Rovers 1495

11:08am Fri 3 Aug 12

hasslem hasslem says...

looks like its not just phil jones that united nicked from under our noses.
.
now this lad looks quality.
.
maybe he's the new steven gerrard

http://menmedia.co.u
k/manchestereveningn
ews/sport/football/m
anchester_united/s/1
584856_blackburn-rov
ers-loss-is-manchest
er-uniteds-gain---er
ic-harrison
looks like its not just phil jones that united nicked from under our noses. . now this lad looks quality. . maybe he's the new steven gerrard http://menmedia.co.u k/manchestereveningn ews/sport/football/m anchester_united/s/1 584856_blackburn-rov ers-loss-is-manchest er-uniteds-gain---er ic-harrison hasslem hasslem

11:23am Fri 3 Aug 12

simongarnerswindowcleaner says...

I bumped into Emile Heskey last weekend and he looks as fit as the proverbial butcher's mutt. Since he's scored so many goals against the Rovers I asked him why didn't he sign for us. He said he would if anybody wanted to ask him. He's currently a free agent with tons of experience and would be sheer class in the Championship. If anyone knows how to hold the ball up, it's Emile. He's also used to playing for 'smaller' teams like Wigan and Birmingham City, so it's not as if he would come just for the dosh. If the Rovers fans got behind him (instead of complaining that he doesn't score enough apart from against us) he'd be a brilliant signing. He won every trophy going with Liverpool apart from the Premiership and all he needs is people who really believe in him. He's as strong as an ox and would give anyone around him the chance to hit 20 goals in one season. After Jordan Slew and all the rest, here's a guy who is available, has put in the hard yards and is as solid a pro as they come. Buy! buy! buy!
I bumped into Emile Heskey last weekend and he looks as fit as the proverbial butcher's mutt. Since he's scored so many goals against the Rovers I asked him why didn't he sign for us. He said he would if anybody wanted to ask him. He's currently a free agent with tons of experience and would be sheer class in the Championship. If anyone knows how to hold the ball up, it's Emile. He's also used to playing for 'smaller' teams like Wigan and Birmingham City, so it's not as if he would come just for the dosh. If the Rovers fans got behind him (instead of complaining that he doesn't score enough apart from against us) he'd be a brilliant signing. He won every trophy going with Liverpool apart from the Premiership and all he needs is people who really believe in him. He's as strong as an ox and would give anyone around him the chance to hit 20 goals in one season. After Jordan Slew and all the rest, here's a guy who is available, has put in the hard yards and is as solid a pro as they come. Buy! buy! buy! simongarnerswindowcleaner

11:27am Fri 3 Aug 12

gleechy says...

Nothing will change before the Venks are history. Everything they do is cheap cheap, all their puppet's talk, their pathetic interview where they said they were confused, I think an explanation is due there.

They have got together a bunch of conmen to carry out their wishes.

The Rovers have temporarily been hijacked,normal service will only resume when they go with their underhanded hangers on.

They can sign who they like, and when they do those players will be half the player after a season with these chancers.

Just my opinion, but it's surprising to see short memories hoping for better things from this lot.
Nothing will change before the Venks are history. Everything they do is cheap cheap, all their puppet's talk, their pathetic interview where they said they were confused, I think an explanation is due there. They have got together a bunch of conmen to carry out their wishes. The Rovers have temporarily been hijacked,normal service will only resume when they go with their underhanded hangers on. They can sign who they like, and when they do those players will be half the player after a season with these chancers. Just my opinion, but it's surprising to see short memories hoping for better things from this lot. gleechy

11:34am Fri 3 Aug 12

Road Runner Road Runner says...

French Rover wrote:
The fee sounds quite good for a decent midfielder who will add some much needed bite and strength to our midfield. This is an area that we have been weak in for a number of seasons now. Just need a defender still and Rhodes from Huddersfield. Now he would be an excellent signing....
Morning Mr French,

Indeed Rhodes would be a good capture, but, and, without sounding negative would he reach the giddy heights under the 'Odious Ones' stewardship ?

This is where my doubts rise ? Absolute no faith in his management skills.

Potentially I share your view in that the two mentioned players could be quality additions into our already threadbare squad and are what are needed since the departure of J Jones from midfield and obviously the injury to Best.

We will see, I guess ?

Arte et labore
[quote][p][bold]French Rover[/bold] wrote: The fee sounds quite good for a decent midfielder who will add some much needed bite and strength to our midfield. This is an area that we have been weak in for a number of seasons now. Just need a defender still and Rhodes from Huddersfield. Now he would be an excellent signing....[/p][/quote]Morning Mr French, Indeed Rhodes would be a good capture, but, and, without sounding negative would he reach the giddy heights under the 'Odious Ones' stewardship ? This is where my doubts rise ? Absolute no faith in his management skills. Potentially I share your view in that the two mentioned players could be quality additions into our already threadbare squad and are what are needed since the departure of J Jones from midfield and obviously the injury to Best. We will see, I guess ? Arte et labore Road Runner Road Runner

11:36am Fri 3 Aug 12

Port Vale 1 Rovers 4 says...

Nurseman wrote:
Judge Nic Sanders wrote:
The Bell End stands next to the tunnel
Crude but funny!
Another warm welcome to a new player .Good luck ,Hopefully you will be managed by a PROPER manager soon .
KEAN OUT
[quote][p][bold]Nurseman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Judge Nic Sanders[/bold] wrote: The Bell End stands next to the tunnel[/p][/quote]Crude but funny![/p][/quote]Another warm welcome to a new player .Good luck ,Hopefully you will be managed by a PROPER manager soon . KEAN OUT Port Vale 1 Rovers 4

11:38am Fri 3 Aug 12

Port Vale 1 Rovers 4 says...

Port Vale 1 Rovers 4 wrote:
Nurseman wrote:
Judge Nic Sanders wrote:
The Bell End stands next to the tunnel
Crude but funny!
Another warm welcome to a new player .Good luck ,Hopefully you will be managed by a PROPER manager soon .
KEAN OUT
BELL END OUT
oops he aint signed yet but good luck if he signs
[quote][p][bold]Port Vale 1 Rovers 4[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Nurseman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Judge Nic Sanders[/bold] wrote: The Bell End stands next to the tunnel[/p][/quote]Crude but funny![/p][/quote]Another warm welcome to a new player .Good luck ,Hopefully you will be managed by a PROPER manager soon . KEAN OUT[/p][/quote]BELL END OUT oops he aint signed yet but good luck if he signs Port Vale 1 Rovers 4

11:42am Fri 3 Aug 12

YarkshahRover says...

Do the transfer windows still apply outside the Premiership?.
Do the transfer windows still apply outside the Premiership?. YarkshahRover

11:59am Fri 3 Aug 12

Rover Pete says...

With a manager like Kean in charge we will still sink to the bottom and go down to League 1.
He could get the present Man. City team into the Championship in one season.
Why no new defenders? If some or all of the defenders who have been staed to be leaving do leave we will have only juniors to step in.
With a manager like Kean in charge we will still sink to the bottom and go down to League 1. He could get the present Man. City team into the Championship in one season. Why no new defenders? If some or all of the defenders who have been staed to be leaving do leave we will have only juniors to step in. Rover Pete

12:11pm Fri 3 Aug 12

Keen O to Get Kean Out says...

Fat Boy Kean will have us playing like Barcelona , then blame the first division thug like tactics when we get relegated
Fat Boy Kean will have us playing like Barcelona , then blame the first division thug like tactics when we get relegated Keen O to Get Kean Out

12:13pm Fri 3 Aug 12

carlmc1 says...

simongarnerswindowcl
eaner wrote:
I bumped into Emile Heskey last weekend and he looks as fit as the proverbial butcher's mutt. Since he's scored so many goals against the Rovers I asked him why didn't he sign for us. He said he would if anybody wanted to ask him. He's currently a free agent with tons of experience and would be sheer class in the Championship. If anyone knows how to hold the ball up, it's Emile. He's also used to playing for 'smaller' teams like Wigan and Birmingham City, so it's not as if he would come just for the dosh. If the Rovers fans got behind him (instead of complaining that he doesn't score enough apart from against us) he'd be a brilliant signing. He won every trophy going with Liverpool apart from the Premiership and all he needs is people who really believe in him. He's as strong as an ox and would give anyone around him the chance to hit 20 goals in one season. After Jordan Slew and all the rest, here's a guy who is available, has put in the hard yards and is as solid a pro as they come. Buy! buy! buy!
Good shout
[quote][p][bold]simongarnerswindowcl eaner[/bold] wrote: I bumped into Emile Heskey last weekend and he looks as fit as the proverbial butcher's mutt. Since he's scored so many goals against the Rovers I asked him why didn't he sign for us. He said he would if anybody wanted to ask him. He's currently a free agent with tons of experience and would be sheer class in the Championship. If anyone knows how to hold the ball up, it's Emile. He's also used to playing for 'smaller' teams like Wigan and Birmingham City, so it's not as if he would come just for the dosh. If the Rovers fans got behind him (instead of complaining that he doesn't score enough apart from against us) he'd be a brilliant signing. He won every trophy going with Liverpool apart from the Premiership and all he needs is people who really believe in him. He's as strong as an ox and would give anyone around him the chance to hit 20 goals in one season. After Jordan Slew and all the rest, here's a guy who is available, has put in the hard yards and is as solid a pro as they come. Buy! buy! buy![/p][/quote]Good shout carlmc1

12:19pm Fri 3 Aug 12

MxMave says...

If we do indeed sign Rhodes, where will he play? On his own up top in the classic 4-5-1 kean unterdefence formation? He will struggle to do anything when that gap between midfield and attack is so large as per last season.
If we do indeed sign Rhodes, where will he play? On his own up top in the classic 4-5-1 kean unterdefence formation? He will struggle to do anything when that gap between midfield and attack is so large as per last season. MxMave

12:23pm Fri 3 Aug 12

Keen O to Get Kean Out says...

MxMave wrote:
If we do indeed sign Rhodes, where will he play? On his own up top in the classic 4-5-1 kean unterdefence formation? He will struggle to do anything when that gap between midfield and attack is so large as per last season.
Poinless signin any decent players, weve had good players ,, didnt work with the clown we've got ... my wife would make a better manager
[quote][p][bold]MxMave[/bold] wrote: If we do indeed sign Rhodes, where will he play? On his own up top in the classic 4-5-1 kean unterdefence formation? He will struggle to do anything when that gap between midfield and attack is so large as per last season.[/p][/quote]Poinless signin any decent players, weve had good players ,, didnt work with the clown we've got ... my wife would make a better manager Keen O to Get Kean Out

12:37pm Fri 3 Aug 12

AndyW says...

Heskey would be a fantastic signing, particularly alongside a goalscorer like Rhodes.

However, again, until Kean takes his incompetent backside elsewhere and allows a real manager to take over, it's all a bit irrelevant.
Heskey would be a fantastic signing, particularly alongside a goalscorer like Rhodes. However, again, until Kean takes his incompetent backside elsewhere and allows a real manager to take over, it's all a bit irrelevant. AndyW

12:55pm Fri 3 Aug 12

Love Rovers Hate Venkys says...

A Darener wrote:
The Venky's certainly know how to fool people. They dangle carrots in front of the fans, then say oh well! we tried, but in the end we didn't get the player we wanted.
They can't fool us all. All though they've managed to con a few thousand into buying season tickets. Oh well, you know what they say about a fool and his money.
[quote][p][bold]A Darener[/bold] wrote: The Venky's certainly know how to fool people. They dangle carrots in front of the fans, then say oh well! we tried, but in the end we didn't get the player we wanted.[/p][/quote]They can't fool us all. All though they've managed to con a few thousand into buying season tickets. Oh well, you know what they say about a fool and his money. Love Rovers Hate Venkys

1:10pm Fri 3 Aug 12

flyingv1 says...

YarkshahRover wrote:
Do the transfer windows still apply outside the Premiership?.
Yes still applies. However clubs are able to sign "emergency" loans outside the window. Don't know the meaning of "emergency" as most seem to go through. Gives a chance to loan players from the Premiership in the early part of the season, when some players find they are not getting first team opportunities.
[quote][p][bold]YarkshahRover[/bold] wrote: Do the transfer windows still apply outside the Premiership?.[/p][/quote]Yes still applies. However clubs are able to sign "emergency" loans outside the window. Don't know the meaning of "emergency" as most seem to go through. Gives a chance to loan players from the Premiership in the early part of the season, when some players find they are not getting first team opportunities. flyingv1

1:51pm Fri 3 Aug 12

RTID says...

Not sure about Etuhu. He is limited. Most Preston fans didn't rate him when he was there.

I'm not sure whether he is better than Petrovic. Yes, some of his displays last season indicated he was struggling to get up to pace, but some of his long passing was excellent at times. Given a run of games could he not become a strong box to box midfielder? They seem to rate him in Serbia. A bit like the Kalinic situation, just as they start to get used to the pace we ship them out.

Also, I was under the impression that Murphy was bought to be the more defensively minded midfielder, and we were after someone like Adrien Silva to get into the box. There is no way Etuhu is going to score goals and get himself into the box. Seems as if Kean's plans have changed again. Another trait of Kean's tenure is his constant changing of players/game-plan. Flip-flopping from one idea to the next. If you want an attacking central midfielder then buy one and stick to your guns Kean!

This one sounds like a panic buy to me. The midfield would be slow, dull, and old. Not something to get anyone excited.
Not sure about Etuhu. He is limited. Most Preston fans didn't rate him when he was there. I'm not sure whether he is better than Petrovic. Yes, some of his displays last season indicated he was struggling to get up to pace, but some of his long passing was excellent at times. Given a run of games could he not become a strong box to box midfielder? They seem to rate him in Serbia. A bit like the Kalinic situation, just as they start to get used to the pace we ship them out. Also, I was under the impression that Murphy was bought to be the more defensively minded midfielder, and we were after someone like Adrien Silva to get into the box. There is no way Etuhu is going to score goals and get himself into the box. Seems as if Kean's plans have changed again. Another trait of Kean's tenure is his constant changing of players/game-plan. Flip-flopping from one idea to the next. If you want an attacking central midfielder then buy one and stick to your guns Kean! This one sounds like a panic buy to me. The midfield would be slow, dull, and old. Not something to get anyone excited. RTID

1:53pm Fri 3 Aug 12

RTID says...

Not sure about Etuhu. He is limited. Most Preston fans didn't rate him when he was there.

I'm not sure whether he is better than Petrovic. Yes, some of his displays last season indicated he was struggling to get up to pace, but some of his long passing was excellent at times. Given a run of games could he not become a strong box to box midfielder? They seem to rate him in Serbia. A bit like the Kalinic situation, just as they start to get used to the pace we ship them out.

Also, I was under the impression that Murphy was bought to be the more defensively minded midfielder, and we were after someone like Adrien Silva to get into the box. There is no way Etuhu is going to score goals and get himself into the box. Seems as if Kean's plans have changed again. Another trait of Kean's tenure is his constant changing of players/game-plan. Flip-flopping from one idea to the next. If you want an attacking central midfielder then buy one and stick to your guns Kean!

This one sounds like a panic buy to me. The midfield would be slow, dull, and old. Not something to get anyone excited.
Not sure about Etuhu. He is limited. Most Preston fans didn't rate him when he was there. I'm not sure whether he is better than Petrovic. Yes, some of his displays last season indicated he was struggling to get up to pace, but some of his long passing was excellent at times. Given a run of games could he not become a strong box to box midfielder? They seem to rate him in Serbia. A bit like the Kalinic situation, just as they start to get used to the pace we ship them out. Also, I was under the impression that Murphy was bought to be the more defensively minded midfielder, and we were after someone like Adrien Silva to get into the box. There is no way Etuhu is going to score goals and get himself into the box. Seems as if Kean's plans have changed again. Another trait of Kean's tenure is his constant changing of players/game-plan. Flip-flopping from one idea to the next. If you want an attacking central midfielder then buy one and stick to your guns Kean! This one sounds like a panic buy to me. The midfield would be slow, dull, and old. Not something to get anyone excited. RTID

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