Bologna join the chase for Italian striker Grabbi

As we reported yesterday, Ewood chief executive John Williams confirmed the club have received a number of enquiries about the former Juventus star via a third party. And sources in Italy have now suggested the Serie A high-flyers are one of the clubs ready to compete with promotion-chasing Napoli for his services -- should Rovers decide to listen to offers.

Bologna are currently in the throes of a major injury crisis with Giuseppe Signori, Tomas Locatelli and Giacomo Cipriani all sidelined.

And they could be ready to offer £6 million for the 26-year-old when the Italian transfer window opens in January.

However, manager Graeme Souness has made it clear he is not in any rush to off-load his big summer signing.

And the Ewood chief still believes he could have a future with Rovers once he shakes off his current injury problems.

"The issue of whether he is for sale or not is irrelevant because we have not had a bid for the player," said Souness.

"We've been contacted by a couple of agents but that may not necessarily mean anything.

"Obviously, Ciccio is disappointed that he has not got going yet but a lot of that has been down to circumstances beyond his control.

"His wife has had a baby, he has had a lot of injuries and all we care about is getting him fit and getting him started.

"He is aware of the situation because he has seen the reports in the Italian Press but he still wants to prove himself here."

If Rovers were to receive an offer which tempted them to part with the player then that could prompt a move by Souness for Inter Milan star Hakan Sukur.

ROVERS RESERVES are in action against Bradford City at the Bradford and Bingley Stadium tonight (kick off 7pm).

ROVERS striker Marc Richards has been named in the England Under 20 squad for tonight's friendly against Portugal at Southampton's Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.

Richards -- a product of Rovers' Academy -- is currently on loan at Second Division Oldham Athletic.