CHRIS Sutton's future is still in the melting pot but the one sure thing is that it lies away from Ewood Park.

And, as big guns such as Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal line up to consider their positions, family ties could give the White Hart Lane club an unexpected advantage.

For the England striker's 15-year-old brother Jon has recently joined Spurs after quitting Norwich where he had followed in Chris's footsteps.

It seems to be only a matter of time - and choice of club - before Sutton makes his Ewood exit.

Chelsea are definitely known to be interested in the striker who could bring a fee of around £10 million.

And, although there is an absence of official comment on the subject from either side, I understand Rovers are already resigned to the fact that he will be leaving.

Sutton met Rovers boss Brian Kidd and chief executive John Williams on Monday and is believed to have told them of his feelings following relegation. He also has an escape clause in his contract.

But a report today that a part-exchange deal was being set up with Aston Villa was being played down in the Midlands.

Riccardo Scimeca is the man linked with Ewood but sources close to Villa said that manager John Gregory was unlikely to pursue a former interest in Sutton and that his priority was to strengthen other areas of the team.

Contrary to speculation, Rovers have not made a previous bid for Scimeca, though he is thought to be highly rated at Ewood.

And the versatile Villa man has only just taken himself off the transfer list, six months after putting in the request.

The 23-year-old defender, who has also played in midfield and as an emergency striker, said: "I made the decision because I am happy with myself and the way things are going at the club."

Another speculative report today that Arsenal are about to move in for Kevin Davies could have some semblance of truth.

For the Londoners were seriously considering a bid for the striker before he left Southampton for Ewood.

But they have not made any contatct with Rovers at this stage.

Davies has had a torrid season and it is hard to see where he might fit into Kidd's plans as Rovers try to bounce back from relegation.

But they will have to accept a serious loss of finance and face if the striker moves on this summer. As for any possible incoming moves, Hearts defender Paul Ritchie could be on his way out of Tynecastle and he has been linked with Ewood in the past.

Manager Jim Jefferies is apparently ready to consider any big-money offers for the 23-year-old centre-back, who has only a year to run on his contract.

"We will not be actively trying to sell Paul but we are in a position now when we would have to consider any offer that might come along for the player," said the Hearts boss.

A Rovers squad left this afternoon for an international seven-a-side youth tournament in Hong Kong.

They were invited on the all-expenses-paid trip after reaching last season's FA Youth Cup final.

Ben Burgess, one of the scoring heroes of last night's Academy final against Manchester City, was set to miss out because of an ankle injury he collected in Rovers' win.

Goalkeeper Gareth Stewart, one of several young players released by Rovers, is set to join Second Division Bournemouth.

Brian Kidd has pencilled in his pre-season plans and they include a Norwegian tour and three friendly matches in this country, notably a home game against Liverpool.

Details of the trip to Norway, which will probably involve three games, have still to be finalised.

But, on their return, Rovers will visit Second Division sides Blackpool (Saturday, July 24) and Oldham (Tuesday, July 27) - for Andy Ritchie's testimonial game - before playing host to Liverpool at Ewood on Saturday, July 31.

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