Blackburn Rovers today denied that Graeme Le Saux had been given permission to speak to any club, writes PETER WHITE.

The move followed a report that negotiations between the player and Arsenal about a big-money transfer were well advanced.

And, while I am sure that is the case at the moment, there are clear signs that the simmering situation between the player and club is about to come to boiling point.

That could yet, given the state of football these days, mean that Le Saux will eventually get his wish to leave.

The player has declined to comment on the situation.

But, as we revealed exclusively nearly two weeks ago, he has not changed his mind about quitting Ewood for elsewhere.

Rovers boss Roy Hodgson also seems to want the problem settled one way or the other and quickly, as we reported in last night's later editions.

He said: "We have to hope that something will happen in the coming days because I want to know if the club is prepared to release him or say he's not for sale.

"It's a decision which is constantly being debated.

"Up to now it hasn't caused any problems but both he and I need to know if he's going to be a Blackburn player or whether his transfer request is going to be granted." Hodgson wants to keep Le Saux but, as with any unsettled player, the only answer on many occasions is to move them out to ensure unity and accord with the rest of the squad.

In the long run, Rovers might be better off selling a player who doesn't want to be at Ewood -- no matter how good he is.

Rovers chairman Robert Coar would only say that the report about him negotiating with Arsenal was not true as far as the club were concerned.

"He is still under contract to Blackburn Rovers and has not been given permission to speak to anyone. Unless or until that situation changes, this report cannot be right."

There was also speculation that Le Saux would be left out of this afternoon's game at West Brom.

If that was to happen it might not necessarily mean anything significant in the light of the way Hodgson has chopped and changed his team in the pre-season games, as most managers do.

But speculation will no doubt continue until the air is cleared one way or another over the England full back's problem position.

In contrast, Stuart Ripley declared today - I want my first team place back.

And that will be music to Hodgson's ears.

The right winger began his revival, after months of injury torment, at the end of last season when he made substitute appearances and looked as though he had regained his edge.

On the tour of Scandinavia, Ripley again looked sharp, positive and eager to play a major part under the new regime.

He has been repeatedly linked with moves elsewhere, notably to team up again with former boss Ray Harford at today's opponents West Brom.

Ripley stressed: "My first wish is to stay at Blackburn and the only way I can do that is to play well.

"If it doesn't work out, so be it, but I am going to do my best to get into the team.

"It's going to be difficult but I want to be with Blackburn. I have never said I want to leave. "You can't stop the papers talking and there have been other stories. It's always nice to know someone out there wants to buy you but I am not interested in that at the moment. I am just interested in getting a place in the first team and having a good season - with Blackburn."

There were many who thought last season's injury nightmare had spelled the end for Ripley.

But he has bounced back with such eagerness and determination it would be a fool who wrote him off.

"I didn't really expect to get back at the end of last season and it was a bonus to play in the last couple of matches," he said.

"When I went on I felt really good and, even though I had been injured, I was still working in the gym.

"I have carried that into the summer and I feel really good and strong.

"Whatever you want to do you have to be fit and playing well.

"Last season (with a foot injury) I had an injection which seemed to do the trick.

"I am wary of injections and I tried to go through rehabilition without one which probably cost me two or three months.

"If it happened again I would have the injection because it seemed to sort it out," he added. That's the sort of positive attitude Ripley is taking into the new campaign and he has already looked like the "Rippers" of old.

There's no shortage of competition on that right flank, with George Donis also anxious to claim a regular place after missing out for much of last season, primarily because the formation was changed.

Kevin Gallacher is also more than capable of playing there as he has proved.

It all adds up to a healthy competition and that is just what Rovers need.

Tickets for Rovers' first two Premiership matches go on open sale from Monday.

For the first match against Derby at Ewood on Saturday, August 9, category B prices will apply. That means £20 adults (no concessions) in the upper central Jack Walker Stand and £19 (£10 concessions) in the upper outer and lower central areas.

All other parts of the ground are £16 adults (£10).

Rovers have received 2,500 seats for the game at Aston Villa on Wednesday, August 13 (7-45pm). They are priced £14 no concessions. There will also be some restricted view seats available price £12.

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