BLACKBURN Rovers today dampened speculation that they are behind a major bid for Luton Town's teenage strike ace Gary Doherty.

But, at the same time, Rovers wrapped up the final details of two outgoing moves - a double scotch involving defenders Graham Coughlan and David Worrell moving to Livingston and Dundee United respectively.

Rumours were rife in Luton today that Republic of Ireland youngster Doherty - currently on under-20 international duty in Nigeria - is about to be sold to help further ease the cash-strapped Second Division club's financial problems.

And sources close to Kenilworth Road said a bid had already been made by an un-named club, with Tottenham, Leeds, Sunderland and Rovers all rumoured to have been keeping an eye on the burly Doherty.

But Ewood secretary Tom Finn played down speculation involving Rovers and confirmed they had not made any approach for the player.

There is little doubt that Rovers, who have long had strong Irish connections, will be aware of Doherty and it is likely that manager Brian Kidd's long-term plans will include restructuring at all levels. So that could change things in summer, but there is certainly nothing doing at the moment.

Luton are in receivership and have already sold a couple of players to keep them going.

But there are expected to be more departures in summer, with Doherty one of their prize talents and likely to go for between £500,000 and £1 million.

There has been more transfer activity at Ewood, however, with Coughlan and Worrell on the move.

Central defender Coughlan was to be released at the end of the season and has had trials with a number of clubs.

He was granted his release early to enable him to get the best deal for himself and promotion-chasing Livingston have agreed a contract with him until the end of the season.

Coughlan featured in a friendly for Livingston - where another ex-Rover John Millar plays - against Blyth Spartans on Saturday and is hoping to earn a new deal with them in summer.

Rovers also agreed a package deal with Dundee United last night, involving an initial payment of £50,000 for Republic of Ireland under-21 man Worrell. If the move proves successful, I understand they could pick up a similar amount based on appearances etc. Neither Coughlan nor Worrell has made a senior appearance in a competitive game for the first team.

Meanwhile, former Ewood defender Chris Coleman believes that Fulham boss Kevin Keegan will succumb to the temptation of taking the England job on a full-time basis.

Coleman, now skipper at Craven Cottage, said: "Fulham's players are starting to fear the worst.

"There has to be doubt in our minds about the future after Mr Al Fayed's comments, and the fact that England got off to a blistering start under Kevin.

"He is a man of his word and has said he will honour the remaining 18 months of his contract with Fulham.

"But England is such a big job and now there is such a public demand for him, who knows what will happen?

"Who would you replace him with? The truth is that Kevin is irreplaceable.

"In the past week the England lads have had a taste of what we have had since Kevin arrived at Fulham.

"You can't help but like the fella. He is upbeat all the time and it rubs off on players."

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