RICCARDO Scimeca has finally ruled himself out of a potential move to Ewood Park, saying he intends to stay and fight for a first-team spot with Aston Villa.

So Blackburn Rovers are almost certain to start their pre-season friendlies in Sweden on Thursday without a single major new signing.

Former England under-21 Scimeca has been linked with Rovers all summer, after manager Brian Kidd expressed interest in him before last season's transfer deadline.

But, despite continuing speculation, Rovers are not expected to take that interest any further at the moment and the player himself has expressed his desire to stay with Villa.

His comments could have been influenced by reports that Aston Villa team-mate Ugo Ehiogu is unsettled and may be looking for a move.

Ehiogu has been an automatic choice at Villa Park and, if he was to leave, such a development would certainly enhance Scimeca's chances of establishing himself as a regular in John Gregory's side.

Scimeca asked for a transfer last season but has since signed a new contract and has come off the list.

He said: "I am determined to fight for my place.

"The manager said when we reported back that no-one is guaranteed to be in the team.

"So it means I have a fair chance along with everybody else.

"I knew Blackburn were interested towards the end of last season, although I haven't heard anything this time.

"It's flattering to think another club might want you but I signed a four-year contract last season and I am happy at Villa." Scimeca made only one concession to a possible change in that situation at some stage in the near future.

"I would like to think my future is here," he added. "But you never know what the manager is thinking."

Gregory has made it clear he does not want Scimeca to leave.

So it will be a familiar Rovers squad who take on IFK Gothenburg in Sweden on Thursday, though Kidd will expect to have several players back in action after they were missing towards the end of last season.

The pre-season games in Scandinavia could decide whether or not he moves into the transfer market before the start of their First Division campaign, or decides to stick with what he has got.

As well as few signs of any incoming transfer activity, it remains quiet in the other direction.

That is bad news for Tim Flowers, who is anxious to get a move and play first-team football.

There is still a chance he could get his way before the start of the season but the market in general remains very quiet.

Ewood chief executive John Williams admitted he had heard rumours of a Swansea interest in young Rovers striker James Thomas.

But he stressed: "That is all it is at the moment, a rumour. We have not received any official contact from Swansea."

Chris Sutton missed out on the chance of his first pre-season friendly for Chelsea, who beat non-League Kingstonian 3-0. The £10 million striker was suffering from blistered feet.

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