CREWE boss Dario Gradi has issued a stern "hands off" warning to Blackburn Rovers in the hunt for his young midfield star Seth Johnson.

And the Ewood club, who have also been talking to Liverpool about Jason McAteer, may yet turn their attentions elsewhere.

For chief executive John Williams, who also confirmed today that goalkeeper John Filan's Ewood future has now been secured under a new four-year contract, admitted they were having discussions with other clubs in the on-going bid to bring in the kind of players wanted by manager Brian Kidd.

Gradi is annoyed that Rovers' interest in Johnson has been made public and he said: "He is not for sale."

It was believed that the First Division club were under financial pressure because of the need to build a new main stand at Gresty Road.

But a source close to Crewe said: "They claim they have adequate funding via the Football Trust and the fact that the bank are willing to make a substantial loan. So they do not have to sell Johnson.

"He's still only 19 and very raw but unless someone was willing to pay silly money for him it looks as though he will be staying for the foreseeable future."

I believe that, if Rovers do not have any imminent joy over Johnson and McAteer, they will chase new targets.

Kidd's potential hit list is not confined to just one or two names.

Rovers have also played down suggestions that they are in the process of arranging a compromise with Liverpool over McAteer, as the stumbling block in their move for him is believed to be his huge Anfield salary.

"We have had discussions with Liverpool, but we have also been talking to a number of clubs," was all that Williams would say today. So there could well be more signings soon, with the obvious possibility of outgoings as well, as the Chief Executive underlined yesterday.

The problem for any clubs coming in for Ewood strikers, however, could be the cost.

Southampton, for example, have had a long-standing interest in Nathan Blake but he could now be out of their price bracket in terms of both fee and wages.

There has not yet been any direct approach for any Rovers players, apart from Marseille's interest in Sebastien Perez and they have only until January 31, when the French transfer window closes, to seal a deal.

Meanwhile, Williams stressed that the securing of players on long-term contracts was an on-going process to run in tandem with bringing in new men.

"Once we knew we were facing the threat of Bosman, we had to act and we have done," said the Chief Executive.

"Keeping the assets we already have under contract is a vital part of the stability of the club and building for the future."

Filan knows the competition is tough for the first team place at Ewood, with England's fit-again Tim Flowers and Northern Ireland International Alan Fettis also challenging.

He is the man in possession at the moment and said: "Since I've come to Rovers, except for the long-term injury, things have gone very well for me.

"I really enjoy it here, I like living here and, hopefully, I will stay in the side.

"Tim wants to play, of course, and so does Alan. But there's only one shirt, so that's up to the manager."

Tickets for the game at Aston Villa on Saturday, February 6 (kick off 3pm), are now on sale to season ticket holders only. With a maximum purchase of one per season ticket. They are price £17 with Villa not offering any concessions.

Any remaining tickets will go on open sale from next Monday with a maximum of four per person. Fans should note that seats will not be available at Villa Park on the day of the game.

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