Crystal un-clear

But young midfielder Lee Makel was today training with the First Division outfit.

Makel has agreed terms with Palace but the deal is subject to an FA tribunal.

Palace chairman Ron Noades said his club were only ready to pay £150,000.

And that is likely to be way short of Rovers' evaluation of a promising player who has fought his way into the first team frame.

Noades said no offer had been received for Welsh international Coleman.

He said: "People have seen we are interested in Lee Makel and have put two and two together to make 11."

But Kenny Dalglish was at the recent game between Oldham and Crystal Palace - with Coleman believed to be the focus of his attention.

Palace need to sell to strengthen their squad and Coleman, who can play in midfield or defence, is their prize asset.

Noades said: "We think he is better than Alan Stubbs."

Makel will not be eligible for First Division action until a deal is struck - and Palace will only buy if that tribunal price is right.

Meanwhile, Celtic look likely to pip Rovers in the bid to sign Dundee United's Billy McKinlay.

The Scottish Premier leaders have slapped in a £1.7 million bid for the Dundee United.

It is believed Celtic have now matched Rovers' offer for the player Ewood Park boss Ray Harford wants to boost his flagging midfield.

But sources in Scotland say McKinlay is more likely now to plump for a move to Parkhead.Celtic boss Tommy Burns is hoping to tie up the deal before McKinlay travels to Scandanavia with the Scotland squad before Wednesday's international against Sweden in Stockholm.

Burns splashed out £600,000 on Dunfermline's Jackie McNamara - also a previous Rovers target - and then moved to land the 26-year-old Tannadice ace. If McKinlay agrees to link up with Celtic that could signal the departure of John Collins, another Rovers target.

Collins has already had talks with Middlesbrough and Chelsea and sources North of the Border say he is due to meet Stamford Bridge boss Glenn Hoddle over the weekend.

And that could leave Rovers out in the cold for both star names.

Harford may now be forced to turn his attentions elsewhere following the capture of Lars Bohinen from Nottingham Forest, subject to medical, for a bargain £700,000.

Bohinen has now returned to Norway to prepare for the international against England on Wednesday.

With European transfer rules set to be rewritten, clubs are keen to secure players on long-term contracts and Bohinen has signed a five-year deal.

Rovers refuse to be drawn on reports linking Bohinen's Fifa licensed Danish agent, Frank Mathiesen, to the banned Norwegian agent Rune Hauge. Bohinen is quoted as saying: "If he (Mathiesen) has used Rune Hauge for advice or something, he is completely allowed to do that." The FA have asked Rovers for clarification about the situation but Rovers chairman Rob Coar insists all negotiations have been conducted with the player and his official representative, Mathiesen.

But the name of Trevor Sinclair has surfaced again in national newspaper speculation, though the player has recently stated he is happy at QPR.

Another report links Rovers in a £4m bid for Welsh international Chris Coleman at Crystal Palace.

With further newcomers likely at Ewood there could also be imminent departures with out-of-contract midfielder Lee Makel due to have talks with Palace and a part-exchange deal featuring Coleman on the cards.

Kenny Dalglish recently watched Palace play at Oldham when Coleman was believed to be the focus of his attentions.

And reports have also surfaced that Alan Shearer is preparing for a move to Italian giants, Sampdoria. Forget it!

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