BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes today played a straight bat in regard to speculation linking him with a move for Manchester United's Wes Brown.

Hughes is reported to be lining up a £2million bid for Brown when the transfer window opens in January.

And the England centre-back would certainly fit the bill as Hughes seeks to shore up the Premiership's leakiest defence.

But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to let Brown leave Old Trafford without a fight, even though the 25-year-old is out of contract next summer.

So far, Hughes has refused to confirm or deny that Brown is a transfer target but he has left the door open for a possible move in January by admitting that he's interested in any quality player if he becomes available.

"There's a lot of speculation about a lot of players at the moment. I think it's just that time of the year," said Hughes.

"But, obviously, I'm interested in good players if they become available."

Brown has the experience and quality that Rovers would be looking for, having played over a hundred games for United since he made his debut in the 1997-98 season.

The only question mark against him is his fitness record as he probably could have made twice as many appearances for the Reds but for a series of serious injuries.

Nevertheless, if United indicated they were prepared to let him go then that would prompt a scramble for his services, with Liverpool and Newcastle said to be among the clubs monitoring the situation closely.

But Hughes's relationship with Ferguson, who he served as a player at United, could