BLACKBURN Rovers are in no danger of losing Brian Kidd to the England set-up as they chase an immediate return to the Premiership.

Kidd was again linked over the weekend with a coaching position within the structure being set up by the FA's technical director Howard Wilkinson.

Wilkinson is keen on developing a clutch of coaches who could be groomed to take on the mantle of the England manager's job after the reign of Kevin Keegan.

Kidd was said to be earmarked for a role in that line of succession, along with the likes of new England under-21 coach Peter Reid, John Barnes, David Platt and Stuart Pearce.

But Rovers confirmed today that there had been no approaches from the FA towards their manager since Wilkinson first tried to engage his assistance for the international against France at Wembley earlier this year when Wilkinson was in temporary charge.

"It's an old story," confirmed Ewood chief executive John Williams.

Wilkinson's call came when Rovers were in the thick of a relegation scrap and Kidd pledged his commitment to the club's fight to beat the drop.

"Although everyone was flattered to get the call we felt, and Brian was happy with that decision, that first and foremost his responsibilities lie with Blackburn and it was not appropriate at that time to get involved," Williams added. There has been no contact since and with Kidd throwing all his energies behind what he hopes will be a successful promotion challenge from the Nationwide League First Division next season, there could be little change in the situation if England come knocking again.

And so while most managers would welcome a taste of international football, Kidd's chance may come further down the line.

Summer transfer dealings are yet to kick-in at Ewood but that picture could change with Charlton Athletic being linked with a move for Rovers right-back Gary Croft as a potential replacement for Leeds-bound Danny Mills.

There has been no contact between the clubs to date but Rovers have tied up one piece of outgoing transfer business with Swedish midfielder Anders Andersson completing a £75,000 permanent move to Aalborg, where he has been on loan since last October.

On the incoming front, Rovers will face competition from Southampton if they decide to renew their initial interest in Leeds United defender David Wetherall.

Southampton have entered the bidding to sign Wetherall after his proposed £2million move to Huddersfield fell through.

Saints, whose Dutch centre-back Ken Monkou has rejected a new contract, have told Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale they are prepared to meet or beat Huddersfield's offer.

"I have informed David's agent of Southampton's interest and we have given permission for David to speak to them if he is interested in going there," said Ridsdale. "I was told on Friday that Huddersfield had pulled out of the deal that would have taken him to them."

Wetherall, 28, has little prospect of regular first-team football at Leeds next season with Jonathan Woodgate and Lucas Radebe at the club and manager David O'Leary also interested in Chelsea's Michael Duberry.

Former Rovers defender Tore Pedersen could be on his way back into the Premiership with Wimbledon.

Pedersen left Ewood to join Eintracht Frankfurt last year but is now out of contract with the German club and reportedly a target for Wimbledon's new Norwegian boss Egil Olsen.

The release date for the new season's Nationwide League fixtures has been put back a day and they are now expected to come out on Thursday.

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