NEW £2.5 million striking target Per Pedersen was due at Blackburn Rovers today on trial.

The Danish international striker, described by Scandinavian sources as the hottest attacking property in the Danish League, plays for Odense Boldklub (OB).

Pedersen left Denmark early today and a permanent move to Ewood could be completed in time for Rovers' trip to Liverpool on Saturday.

Blackburn caretaker boss Tony Parkes, who recently missed out on a bid to land Poland striker Marek Citko, said: "We are bringing Per over for a couple of days training and if everything goes to plan we will be looking to sign him.

"I know enough about him, he's of international quality and a big strong forward who will be an asset to us."

Rovers were one of a number of clubs all over Europe alerted to Pedersen's qualities after he scored four goals in an international.

Arsenal were also possible contenders and Bolton thought they had stolen a march on the rest, with manager Colin Todd travelling to Denmark recently to try to sort out a deal.

Wanderers were willing to pay up to £1.5 million for him but immediately backed out - without even talking to the player - when they were told the fee was £2.5 million. The 27-year-old Pedersen has overcome two serious cruciate ligament injuries - one in a motorcycle accident - to see his career take off in spectacular fashion.

But, for the last two years, he has played regularly without problems

In November he scored his first international goal - the winner against France - and, last month, he travelled with the home-based players in the Danish squad to America for training and matches.

On that trip, Pedersen scored all four goals in a 4-1 win over the USA.

He has only made four international appearances in all but Danish sources believe he will be a key figure in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

"Of the players who remain in Denmark he is the best," said one.

The recent about-turn by Pole Marek Citko has forced Rovers to look elsewhere.

They are also aware of the fact that the transfer deadline is looming next month. One problem could be that they will not have had the chance to see him in live match action for his club OB, as the Danish League has been having its winter break.

Young Ewood central defender Richard Hope is set to join Darlington in a permanent deal.

Hope, who hails from Stockton, has been on loan at Feethams and Rovers have agreed to allow Darlington to sign him on a free transfer. But only on condition that they receive a high percentage of any fee if he moves for money in the future.

The 18-year-old has not played any senior football at Ewood.

A place in the quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup is at stake tonight when Rovers visit Nottingham Forest (kick-off 7pm).

Paul Trudgill is still ruled out of contention with a back injury and Lee Owler looks favourite to continue at full back.

Striker James Thomas has averaged a goal a game in Rovers' four matches in the competition so far. They have beaten Blackpool, Port Vale and, after a replay, Bury. The winners of tonight's tie will be at home to Norwich in the last eight.

Rovers are expected to choose from: Stewart, Owler, Taylor, Brown, Brewer, Watkins, Staton, Dunn, Johnson, Thomas, Duff, Rimmer, McAvoy, Richardson.

Reserve team football returns to Ewood tonight, with a Pontin's League Premier Division fixture against Manchester United (7pm). The game should have been played at Deepdale on Monday but was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Rovers will line-up: Given, Worrell, Croft, Read, Marker, Coughlan, Chisholm, Holmes, Warhurst, Gudmundsson, Morgan. Subs: Whealing, Williams, Featherstone.

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