RAY Harford is scouring Europe in his continuing search to strengthen Blackburn Rovers' squad with at least one major capture, writes PETER WHITE.

And that includes Italy's Serie A stars as Rovers try to spend the multi-millions they didn't really want to take from Newcastle for Alan Shearer.

I understand from good Italian sources that Rovers have been making discreet inquiries about potential transfer market targets in Serie A.

That could well include the likes of Lazio's 27-year-old striker Pierluigi Casiraghi, or even AC Milan's world footballer of the year George Weah, who has expressed an interest in playing in England, and Fiorentina's goalscoring idol and club captain Gabriel Batistuta.

And despite public denials, Ewood sources continue to insist that Rovers are still tracking Jurgen Klinsmann of Bayern Munich and Ajax striker Patrick Kluivert. But the big problem is the timing.

Shearer's sudden departure has left Rovers with the task of trying to fill some holes in the squad at a time when clubs have done their wheeling and dealing for the new campaign.

Sampdoria's scoring sensation Enrico Chiesa, for example, was available in summer but Parma snapped him up for a cool £10 million.

And Lazio, who have lost Croat striker Alen Boksic to Juventus, are unlikely to want to part with Casiraghi.

There would be riots in Florence if Argentine Batistuta departed, though Milan might be more tempted by money in view of the fact that they have signed French striker Christophe Dugarry - wanted by Rovers.

Harford has plenty of faith in the front men who remain at Ewood and will be happy to start the season with them.

But the fact remains that his striking resources have been seriously depleted, not only by Shearer's exit.

Mike Newell left for Birmingham, Chris Sutton has picked up an injury and Paul Warhurst has been struggling with a groin strain. So, even with the attacking players they have, there are clearly vacancies.

And nothing would do more to lift the morale of the supporters, who have already taken to George Donis, than a huge signing to show the rest of the game that Rovers still mean big business.

But, while the transfer of Robbie Elliott from Newcastle will be wrapped up this week, it is unrealistic to expect a major import from abroad to happen overnight.

Chris Sulley is to return to Ewood next month, as assistant to chief youth coach Alan Irvine.

Former Rovers full back Sulley has been doing a good job as youth manager with neighbours Preston North End but Rovers have moved in for him following Kevin Sheedy's summer departure to become reserve team boss at Tranmere.

As a player Sulley gave Rovers good service and was a member of the 1987 Full Members Cup winning team at Wembley.

He was on loan from Dundee United at the time, before Don Mackay made him a permanent signing for £15,000.

He made more than 150 senior appearances for the club before moving on to Port Vale and then Preston.

Tickets are currently on sale during normal office hours for Saturday's opening Premiership game against Tottenham Hotspur at Ewood and the next home match against Leeds on Wednesday, September 4 (kick-off 7-45pm).

The club are also selling seats for the first two away matches at Aston Villa next Wednesday (7-45pm) and Manchester United on Sunday week (4pm).

Prices at Villa Park are £13 (no concessions) and £11 (restricted view).

At Old Trafford, seat prices are £18, again with no concessions. Sales are restricted to a maximum of four tickets per person.

Opening hours at the Ewood ticket office are 9am-4-30pm Monday-Friday. If available, tickets will also be on sale until kick-off on Saturday.

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