BLACKBURN striker Dwight Yorke has been linked with a move to the Middle East.

A report in the national Press claimed Yorke's advisers have been approached by several leading clubs in Qatar.

Yorke is still a leading name in the Middle East following his achievements with Manchester United and his signing would be seen as a major coup for the oil-rich clubs, who have already snapped up big-name stars like Steffan Effenberg and Gabriel Batistuta in the past 12 months.

A move may well appeal to the 32-year-old who would be guaranteed one last major pay day if he quit Rovers this summer.

But Rovers boss Graeme Souness would not sanction a move for the striker until Rovers are free from the threat of relegation.

Yorke still has 18 months left to run on his current contract at Ewood but he and Souness have not always seen eye-to-eye.

A move in the summer may, therefore, be a possibility but in the meantime Souness needs all the firepower he can muster as Rovers battle to avoid the drop.

Meanwhile, Steven Reid and Alan Mahon could both return to boost Rovers' survival fight at the City of Manchester Stadium this weekend.

The two Republic of Ireland midfielders have been missing recently with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

However, both have made encouraging progress this week and it is hoped they will prove their fitness in time to make the squad for Saturday's game against Manchester City.

Club doctor Phil Batty said: "Both Alan and Steven will have fitness tests. If all goes well, they will return to training ahead of Saturday's game."

Paul Gallagher and Lucas Neill are still fitness doubts, however, after both missed training earlier this week with back and groin problems respectively.