BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Barry Ferguson could emerge as a transfer target for Liverpool in the January window.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is thought to be a big admirer of the Scotland skipper and he may be lining up a bid to take him to Anfield in the New Year.

The Spaniard is concerned that he could still lose Steven Gerrard, despite the England midfielder recently signing a new deal with the Merseysiders, and the word is he sees Ferguson as a possible replacement.

The Rovers midfielder's agent, John Viola, last night admitted that Liverpool have shown an interest in his client in the past but he has refuted talk of a fresh approach.

"I spoke to Liverpool a couple of seasons ago when Gerard Houllier was manager and they made an £8 million offer to Rangers, but it was rejected," said Viola.

"They have always shown interest in Barry but at this stage there has been no approach from the new regime."

It's not the first time Ferguson has been linked with a move away from Rovers this season.

Newcastle United and Rangers have also been mentioned as possible suitors for the 26-year-old but Ferguson himself has insisted he's happy where he is.

Rovers would also strongly resist any attempt to lure him away and John Williams, the club's chief executive, recently reiterated he's a big part of Mark Hughes's future plans.

However, if one of the big guns came calling then Rovers may be powerless to hang onto a player they paid £7 million for just over a year ago.

In the meantime, Ferguson was set to undergo a fitness test today to determine whether he will be fit to line up for Scotland against Moldova on Wednesday.

The Blackburn player is currently struggling with a hamstring injury. His Rovers team-mate Paul Dickov is suspended.

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