CLAIMS that Blackburn Rovers had offered a promising schoolboy footballer's family a holiday in the Bahamas as a carrot to sign were rejected today by Ewood's Academy director Bobby Downes.

Allegations were made in a national newspaper that Rovers were one of several Premiership clubs whose battle for the signature of 15-year-old Sonny Pike had caused a family break-up because of the pressures involved.

But Downes said: "I've never heard of the lad. Perhaps I shouldn't be saying that if he is supposed to be a potential star but I will be honest with you."

Pike, who began with Leyton Orient, is currently training with Crystal Palace. The story, in the News of the World, claimed his family had been offered various incentives by clubs, including a job, a flat and a new car - as well as the holiday from Rovers.

Downes added: "We don't even have a main man in London, because you tend to find few London boys coming up here.

"Besides I can only stress that if we do make someone an offer it's all done above board."

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