Blackburn Rovers striker Kevin Gallacher was today travelling North in a bid to clinch a £500,000 move to Premiership giants Newcastle United.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson was desperate to tie up a deal in time for Gallacher to play in Sunday's clash with Middlesbrough at St James's Park.

Gallacher's future has been the subject of intense speculation for some time in the absence of negotiations over new terms from Rovers.

The Scotland international's first team opportunities have been restricted since the big-money signings of Ashley Ward, Matt Jansen and Egil Ostenstad.

And, with him set to become a free agent at the end of the season, Rovers had to cash in now if they wanted to command a fee.

Chief executive John Williams confirmed the clubs agreed a fee yesterday, believed to be worth £500,000.

But the deal hinged on the player agreeing personal terms in time for the Premiership's mid-day deadline today.

"I can confirm that we've had an approach from Newcastle," said Williams.

"We have agreed terms and as a result of that we have given them permission to speak to Kevin about a move.

"I think they intend to get something sorted out in time for him to play on Sunday.

"But I cannot say anymore than that at this stage."

Robson also confirmed he has spoken to the 32-year-old and he is keen for him to link up with his old Rovers team-mate Alan Shearer. "We've had talks with Blackburn Rovers about the acquisition of Gallacher with a view that he will come here for a period of time," said Robson.

"An agreement has been made between the two clubs.

"That's not usually the end of the transfer, that's just the beginning of the transfer.

"I've spoken to the player myself and I'm hopeful that he will come and there's a possibility that it will go through.

"I'm not prepared to talk about any money, but it's a sensible buy for a sensible amount of money.

"It's not a panic buy and we'll see what happens."

Meanwhile, Matt Jansen is again expected to be ruled out of Rovers squad for the trip to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.

Jansen is still struggling to shake off the virus which kept him out of last Saturday's game against Walsall and Tuesday night's trip to Swindon.

"Matt is still struggling with a gastric complaint," said manager Brian Kidd.

"He has lost a lot of fluid and I don't think he's going to be ready."

Rovers are looking to bounce back quickly after the midweek setback at Swindon and Kidd may revert back to a 4-4-2 formation if Gallacher's transfer to Newcastle goes through. He will pick from: Filan, Kenna, Davidson, Grayson, Peacock, Dailly, Carsley, Frandsen, Wilcox, Duff, Johnson, Blake, Ward, Ostenstad, Taylor, Dunn and Kelly (gk).

QPR boss Gerry Francis faces an anxious wait over the fitness of keeper Ludek Miklosko.

The Czech Republic international injured a shoulder while trying to save a penalty in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Birmingham and is rated very doubtful for tomorrow's clash.

Substitute goalkeeper Lee Harper is on stand-by.

Striker Rob Steiner is also out through suspension following his sending off against Fulham two weeks ago.

Francis will pick from: Miklosko, Harper, Breaker, Baraclough, Morrow, Ready, Maddix, Peacock, Gallen, Kiwomya, Rose, Wardley, Darlington, Langley, Scully, Bankole and Slade.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.