TREBLE-chasing Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is set to join the chase for Blackburn Rovers defender Stephane Henchoz.

And Aston Villa manager John Gregory has confirmed an interest in goalkeeper Tim Flowers, another man likely to quit Ewood this summer if the price is right.

The prospect of joining Old Trafford's glory-hunting brigade could be tempting enough to persuade Swiss international Henchoz to stay in England - as opposed to returning to the Bundesliga where several German clubs are interested in the former Hamburg player.

Ferguson was interested in him at the time Rovers snapped up Henchoz for £2.6 million from Hamburg two years ago.

But Roy Hodgson, who had given the player his chance at international level, managed to keep him out of United's clutches.

Good sources claim that Ferguson, eager to expand his squad for next season's bigger-than-ever Champions' League, will move in now that he knows the defender is available, though there has not yet been any approach.

Relegation for Rovers, allied to the fact that he has only one year remaining on his contract, means that Henchoz is on his way.

But groin surgery back home in Switzerland is likely to cause a delay in any prospective deal.

Liverpool have also been taking a keen interest in the player and cannot be ruled out.

Although they have already made several signings, they will be definite contenders.

It would be ideal for Henchoz, if he decided to stay in England, to have two of the country's biggest clubs fighting for his signature.

Meanwhile, Villa could provide Flowers with an escape route from Ewood after losing his number one spot to John Filan.

But there would be no guarantee of a first team place for the England keeper with Michael Oakes having established himself at Villa Park.

Gregory admitted he was an admirer of Flowers' professionalism.

Villa, however, have yet to make an approach about him.

The transfer market, both in and out, is expected to be very busy at Ewood this summer but it could take time before it gets into full stride.

Clubs are reluctant to buy players at this stage as they are then faced with paying their wages through the summer.

So far, Rovers have not received any formal approaches - not even for Chris Sutton - but it will probably only be a matter of time.

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