BRIAN Kidd believes Manchester United will put English football back on top in Barcelona tonight by beating Bayern Munich to claim the European Cup he lifted as a player back in 1968.

But the Ewood boss will miss out on the carnival as Blackburn Rovers now come first for the man who, as Alex Ferguson's number two, contributed so much to laying the foundations for United to finally conquer Europe again.

Kidd was officially invited to join the party in Spain, along with every other member of the European Cup-winning team of 1968.

But, at a time when he is looking to reshape the Rovers squad, his priorities lie elsewhere.

"It would be a great boost for English football if they win, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"And I think they can and will win it.

"Most of the lads of '68 have gone and it would have been lovely to have been with them.

"I will be delighted for everyone if United pull it off. But my priorities are here with Rovers.

"I need to be about, there is a lot to do and I can't spare the time at this moment.

"It's a case of business before pleasure."

Kidd understandably remains close to the people at the club where he spent so much of his career.

And he had a major role in bringing through United's young stars such as Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

His part in that process has already been acknowledged.

But Kidd is a Rovers man now and concerned only with trying to put together a squad to bounce straight back into the Premiership next season.

So far, there have not been any major developments in the transfer market - in either direction.

That is not unusual at this time of the year, especially with the season not officially over until after this weekend's play-offs.

Players are in no hurry to move at the moment and clubs see no reason in paying big wages through the summer when it is not necessary.

Rovers have yet to hear from Danish club Aalborg whether they will be turning Anders Andersson's loan deal into a permanent move.

The midfielder has played a part in Aalborg's title push and Rovers hope it will lead to a £250,000 transfer. Still on course to go through is the move of Sebastien Perez to Marseille once the French season ends.

Perez is on loan to his old club Bastia to enable Marseille to monitor the situation before completing a deal.

But there is no reason to suggest, at the moment, that there will be any snags.

Southampton boss David Jones has dismissed out of hand a report that he is interested in Ewood striker Martin Dahlin.

Jones was playing down general transfer speculation when he said: "I gather I have even been linked with Martin Dahlin and that's rubbish as well."

Rovers remain open to offers for the Swedish international who will not be staying with Hamburg after his extended loan period.

Southampton, however, are expected to continue to monitor the Kevin Davies situation.

They indicated earlier in the season that they would be interested in a cut-price deal to take him back to The Dell.

But they have not been back in so far.

James Beattie, named Southampton's player of the year for his performances in their successful battle against relegation, faces surgery this week to fix a groin injury.

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