BLACKBURN boss Mark Hughes is running the rule over Uruguayan midfielder Gonzalo de los Santos.

After abandoning his interest in Korean striker Ahn Jung-Hwan, I can reveal that Hughes is now looking at former Valencia star de los Santos, who is hoping to secure a lucrative move to the Premiership in January.

Although strengthening the midfield is not a top priority - in fact, Rovers are overloaded with players in that department - Hughes has still taken the opportunity to take a closer look at the vastly experienced South American, who is available to sign on a free transfer.

By all accounts, the 29-year-old has made a favourable impression over the last few days at Brockhall but talk of a move is still somewhat premature as Hughes would prefer to sign a striker in the window to replace Matt Jansen.

Nevertheless, de los Santos still has an impressive pedigree having made his name in Spain with Valencia and he's also been a regular at international level with Uruguay, for whom he appeared at the last World Cup.

But one player who definitely won't be joining Rovers now is Ahn after the club officially scrapped any interest in the 30-year-old yesterday.

The former Perugia star was due to spend several days on trial at Brockhall but, mysteriously, he failed to arrive.

"It was all being organised by an agent but, for one reason or another, he couldn't get it on so we've decided to draw a line under it now," said chairman John Williams.