BLACKBURN Rovers today poured cold water on speculation linking them with a transfer deadline-beating swoop for Manchester United whizz-kid Jonathan Greening.

Several reports in this morning's tabloids suggested Rovers headed a list of clubs including Tottenham and Everton who are closing in on the £2 million-rated youngster.

However, Ewood chief executive John Williams insists those stories have no foundation.

And he has revealed that Rovers have no plans to bring in any new blood before tomorrow's 5pm deadline.

"There's nothing in that at all," said Williams.

"Back in the Autumn, when we were looking to buy Marcus Bent, his name was mentioned as a possible alternative.

"But that was never taken any further.

"And, barring any late conversation with Graeme, we have no plans to bring in anyone before the deadline."

Greening was tipped for great things at Old Trafford after making a big impression in United's youth team.

But his path to the first team has since been blocked by the likes of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. And United may now decide to cash in on the player -- who rooms with David Dunn on England Under 21 duty -- before the deadline.

Meanwhile, Williams has also dismissed talk linking United with a swoop for Rovers keeper Alan Kelly.

Speculation suggested the Republic of Ireland international could be a surprise target for Alex Ferguson following injuries to Fabien Barthez and Raimond van der Gouw.

But Williams insists there has been no contact between Old Trafford and Ewood about a possible move.

"We've heard absolutely nothing from Manchester United in regard to Alan Kelly," said Williams. "There's been no contact, either officially or unofficially, and Alan's away on international duty anyway.

"Graeme did say one of the two back-up keepers could go after we signed Brad but what has since changed is John Filan is currently having treatment for an injury.

"So, if there was an approach, then we'd have to take a view on it."

Ferguson is now hopeful that Barthez may be fit for his side's Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich anyway.

The France number one has had a second scan on his trou-blesome thigh and Ferguson is awaiting the result.

"Fabien has had another scan and I am still hopeful he will be OK for the Bayern match," said Ferguson.

Elsewhere, Rovers reserves are in action against Bradford at Morecambe tonight -- subject to the weather.

Welsh international striker Nathan Blake is still not ready to make a comeback following a thigh injury.

So, with the rest of the first team either away on Trialist

Faure

to get

reserve

run-out international duty or in Dubai, Martin Taylor is the only senior squad player involved.

Young Frenchman Romain Faure -- who spent a week on trial from Scraborough last week -- will also get a run out.

Rovers' squad is: Bingham, McNamee, Murray, Dunning, Martin Taylor, Faure, Blakeman, O'Brien, Foster, Douglas, Hardy, Michael Taylor, Robinson, Woodhead, Walters, Morgan.

Jeff Kenna has joined Tranmere Rovers' First Division survival battle after agreeing to a one-month loan.

The Republic of Ireland international made his debut last night in the Merseysiders' 2-1 defeat at Gillingham.

Rovers today announced two more of their last 11 games will be screened live on Sky TV.

Their scheduled clash with Portsmouth at Ewood on Saturday April 28 has now been switched to Sunday April 29 (kick off 4pm).

And their game against top-of-the-table Fulham on Wednesday April 11 is also being screened by the satellite channel (kick off 7.45pm).