RAY Harford looks set to hit the Lira trail this weekend, when Italy's new league season gets under way.

The Blackburn Rovers boss, who badly needs attacking reinforcements, is expected to use a free weekend to take in at least one Serie A game.

And, with Inter Milan meeting Udinese, two of the strikers strongly linked with Rovers, Marco Branca and Oliver Bierhoff, are likely to be on view.

Reports in Italy claim there has been contact between Rovers and Inter this week, with talk of multi-million pound bids.

But nothing has gone so far yet.

Meanwhile, Bierhoff's situation is known at Ewood. The man who went on as a substitute to score the "golden goal" at Wembley in the final of the European Championships is reported to be available if the price is right for his club Udinese.

That could mean anyone interested in him would have to pay over the odds and there have been suggestions of a fee of between £5-7 million.

But Rovers' situation is becoming desperate with their striking resources being depleted by the game.

Still seeking their first victory of the new Premiership season, Rovers also need to bring in a player who could have some impact and give the club, and especially the fans, a lift.

One report in England today suggested that Swedish international Martin Dahlin was the top name on Harford's hit-list.

Dahlin, who has been chased by English clubs before, is said to be unsettled with Roma and ready to move on. But I believe Rovers have weighed up all the options and that, while he could still come into the reckoning, he is not one of the front-runners as they search for a striker.

Several countries have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, including Spain and Holland, the latter suggesting a possible move for Patrick Kluivert.

But the young Dutch international is still struggling with injury and the speculation about him moving on from Ajax in the immediate future has subsequently died down.

With next week's European matches in mind, this weekend's Serie A fixtures are being played over two days.

Clubs involved in Europe are playing on Saturday, with the others on Sunday.

Rovers A meet Morecambe Reserves at Brockhall tomorrow, with the B team away to Manchester United B.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.