BLACKBURN Rovers could be set for a cross-border raid to land Celtic's Dutch international striker Pierre Van Hooijdonk.

And sources in Scotland say that Rovers have checked out Glasgow Rangers attacker Peter Van Vossen.

Manager Ray Harford continues to trawl Europe for a top-class striker to replace the gaping hole in attack following Alan Shearer's world record move to Newcastle.

And chairman Robert Coar said: "Our backroom staff have worked very hard over the weekend, taking in various international games around Europe. We have looked at a number of players. However, there is nothing imminent."

Harford was frustrated in his recent attempt to land German strikers Oliver Bierhoff and Jurgen Klinsmann as he bids to bolster his Premiership squad.

But, while Van Hooijdonk has already emerged as a potential target for Premiership rivals Aston Villa, Rovers may now join the race for the tall striker.

The Dutch striker's career at Parkhead appears to be at an end, although he still has 18 months to run on a three-year deal.

He was dropped by manager Tommy Burns over a contract wrangle just hours before the Old Firm clash last month and has not worn the green and white hoops since. The striker returned to Glasgow yesterday hoping for a thaw in relations after scoring two goals for Holland in the World Cup qualifier against Wales at Cardiff.

But he was told to train with the Celtic reserve team and that has alerted a string of Premiership clubs - including Rovers.

A £1.5 million signing from Dutch club Breda, Van Hooijdonk has an excellent goal-scoring record. He has scored 34 goals in 43 appearances for Celtic and that proved a big hit with the Celtic faithful as they challenged Rangers for the Scottish championship last season.

Van Vossen is available to leave Rangers after failing to hold down a permanent place at Ibrox.

Mr Coar today denied reports that Rovers have checked out Swiss star Kubilay Turkyilmaz or that England defender Graeme Le Saux could be on the move once he returns to full fitness.

Le Saux has been linked with a transfer to either Spurs or Liverpool but Mr Coar added: "There is nothing in either story. The national newspapers, as usual, are just throwing names about."

Rovers defender Henning Berg has flown out for World Cup duty just hours after becoming the proud father of a baby son.

Berg joins the Norwegian squad in time for tomorrow's European group three qualifier against Hungary after shaking off the effects of a virus infection.

Berg, who missed Blackburn's last Premiership game at Coventry, should be back in the frame for this Saturday's home date with Arsenal.

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