THERE is still an outside hope of a compromise in Blackburn Rovers' bid to sign Bradford City striker Robbie Blake.

It will involve Bradford backing down from their demand for a figure approaching £5 million for the 23-year-old striker.

And Blake is unable to comment, after being fined two weeks wages by the club for speaking to the Press.

But it is understood from sources in Yorkshire that the transfer-listed player wants a move to Ewood.

Further talks are believed to have been held to discuss Blake's situation and Rovers would still be interested, providing a realistic valuation was put on him.

And things could come to a head soon.

For, although he was included in Bradford's squad for their final pre-season friendly against Barnsley this afternoon, Blake has already become the target of some abuse from the club's fans.

He turned down a new contract offer at Valley Parade and what Bradford have offered him is not believed to be relevant to the sort of price they are now asking.

Rovers were ready to pay a package of around £2.5 million for the player and made that kind of offer which Bradford rejected.

Meanwhile, Alan Kelly's £675,000 move from Bramall Lane was wrapped up yesterday afternoon while Craig Short was taking his medicals prior to finalising a £2.1 million package deal from Everton.

The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland keeper described his move from Sheffield United as "fantastic".

Born in Preston, the son of ex-Deepdale keeper and boss Alan senior, Kelly said: "It is a great move for me in every respect. To be able to join a club as ambitious as Rovers is just fantastic.

"This is considered to be one of the top clubs in the land and our goal has got to be to get back into the Premiership as quickly as possible."

Kidd was delighted to have captured such a capable and experienced replacement for Tim Flowers.

"I have known Alan for many years and he has always struck me not just as a top-class goalkeeper but also as a solid character - the type of player you want to have around the place," said the manager.

"He is a recognised international of several years standing and we are delighted to welcome him on board."

Kelly made over 150 appearances for Preston and has topped 200 games for Sheffield United.

Meanwhile, Flowers began the latest chapter in his career at Leicester yesterday and signed off from Ewood with some happy memories.

And, despite being bitterly disappointed at the fact that he lost his number-one status, he had no criticism of the club or management.

"It had been very frustrating last season, working all week in training with no game at the end of it," said the former England keeper.

"But there was nothing I could do about it, Brian Kidd had made his decision and that was that.

"I respected his decision but that did not mean I had to agree with it."

Arsenal were today reported to be interested in Rovers striker Matt Jansen as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka.

And Bristol City are said to be lining up a £250,000 bid for unsettled number three keeper Alan Fettis, who is also reportedly also wanted by Hibs and Dundee United.

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