BENNI McCarthy is ready to snub a lucrative move to France in a bid to keep his hopes of joining Blackburn Rovers alive.

It emerged over the weekend that French side Lille have now entered the race to sign the South African international, who is desperate to quit Porto this summer.

But the 27-year-old former Ajax star has set his heart on a move to England and he is keen to sign for Rovers boss Mark Hughes, the only Premiership manager to have registered a firm interest in the player.

"Playing in England is my childhood dream," said McCarthy.

"This is a golden opportunity for me to participate in one of the most fascinating championships in the world.

"Opportunities like this do not appear every day.

"In Porto, I lived fabulous days; I made many friends, but in my body, and my mind now, I ask for something else."

So far, Rovers have had two bids rejected for McCarthy - the second believed to be in the region of £4 million.

Porto are thought to be holding out for a fee closer to £6 million.

Lille coach Claude Puel has confirmed his interest in the forward.

"Of course we wish to hire an experienced forward," said Puel.

"But we know we can't compete on a financial level against a lot of clubs.

"McCarthy? Yes, but at what price?

"

Meanwhile, Rovers have poured cold water on speculation linking them with Brentford defender Sam Sodje and Nantes striker Mamadou Bagayoko.

lRovers will face Grimsby Town in a pre-season friendly at Blundell Park on Tuesday August 2.