DERBY boss Jim Smith today knocked back suggestions that Blackburn Rovers striker Nathan Blake was on his wanted list as a potential transfer target.

And Rovers chief executive John Williams also confirmed that no bids had been received for any of their strikers.

Brian Kidd's capture of Matt Jansen from Crystal Palace this week was bound to put other clubs on red alert over the number of strikers at Ewood.

But Kidd does not yet have an ambarrassment of riches at his disposal as Kevin Gallacher has been ruled out of tomorrow's FA cup tie fourth round clash with Sunderland, leaving the manager with just two available strikers.

Good sources claimed that Derby were monitoring the striker situation and considering a move for the former Bolton forward.

But Smith, who had a close-up look at Blake during last Saturday's game at Pride Park, denied any interest and the player is expected to start at Ewood tomorrow. Jansen is cup tied - and would not have signed in time to play against Sunderland anyway - but is expected to figure prominently in manager Brian Kidd's plans as soon as the Premiership resumes. Competition for a place up front at Ewood is going to be fierce once the fitness situation eases and, if Ashley Ward and Blake continue their partnership against Sunderland, both will be hoping to prove a point.

Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing between Rovers and Marseille over the proposed transfer of Sebastien Perez.

The French transfer window is due to close next weekend.

As we stressed yesterday and, despite more reports to the contrary, Rovers insist that Hearts defender Paul Ritchie is not in their sights.

"That name has certainly never been mentioned to me," confirmed the chief executive.

Skipper Tim Sherwood's suspension adds to manager Kidd's problems for tomorrow's cup clash with runaway First Division leaders Sunderland. And Kidd's worries have been exacerbated by the fact that several players are carrying knocks.

The situation has made it difficult to do any detailed work in training, with players forced to rest between matches.

Kidd will leave things as late as possible before finalising his team but has some big decisions to make. Tim Flowers is now challenging for a recall in goal and he must find a replacement for Sherwood, with young David Dunn a leading contender.

Rovers seem likely to choose from: Filan, Kenna, Henchoz, Broomes, Davidson, Gillespie, McKinlay, Wilcox, Ward, Blake, Gallacher, Peacock, Duff, Dunn, Croft, Marcolin, Flowers.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid, in contrast, has no obvious problems and is expected to be able to field his strongest possible side.

The only thing he has to debate is whether to bring back Nicky Summerbee on the right-hand side of midfield after injury.

Summerbee has had a reserve team outing, is fit again and could return at the ex-pense of Alex Rae.

They will choose from: Sorensen, Makin, Butler, Melville, Gray, Summerbee, Rae, Ball, Clark, Johnston, Quinn, Phillips, Bridges, Dichio, Craddock, Williams, McCann, Marriott.

The Ewood ticket office is open until 7pm tonight. Seats will not be on sale tomorrow.

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