FORMER Liverpool star Steve Harkness could become Brian Kidd's first close-season signing as the Blackburn Rovers boss starts to rebuild his squad ready for a major promotion push, writes Peter White.

Harkness, who moved from Anfield to Portuguese giants Benfica a few months ago, is ready to return to England.

And I understand Rovers are considering a bid - in the region of £750,000 or £1 million - for the versatile player whose best position is probably left back.

Harkness was persuaded to join the British colony at Benfica by former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness.

But, following Souness's departure, the British players are also expected to leave the Stadium of Light.

Kidd will be looking this summer to build a squad capable of climbing straight back out of Division One, even if he then has to build again on returning to the Premiership.

A first-time promotion is all that interests the club which indicates they will probably look for experienced, seasoned campaigners to do the job.

The 27-year-old Harkness would seem to fit the bill in that respect, with over 100 League games for Liverpool to his name after joining them from Carlisle.

Ewood chief executive John Williams would neither confirm nor deny any Rovers interest in the player.

All he would say was: "So far we have not made any bids for any player."

But I understand there has already been contact between Benfica and Rovers.

And the Lisbon club are desperate for cash.

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