SUNDERLAND midfielder Lee Clark is not likely to become Blackburn Rovers' latest transfer target, despite reports to the contrary, writes PETER WHITE.

And the Ewood club today rubbished a speculative national newspaper story that Colin Hendry was about to be transferred to Rangers - issuing a no-nonsense "Hands-off" warning.

The links with Clark emerged today with North East papers carrying a story that Rovers were waiting to pounce for the player as soon as he had proved his fitness, following an end-of-season hernia operation.

It is not the first time there has been speculation about Clark, who was a class act for Sunderland last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion.

Sources close to the Wearside club were suggesting that Roy Hodgson was keen on the player who joined Sunderland from neighbours Newcastle a year ago for a fee of £2.5 million.

But Rovers have strenuously denied making any approach for him and, while you can never say never, that situation seems unlikely to change.

Meanwhile, chief executive John Williams today decided to put a stop to any rumours after stories in the national Press claimed that Hendry was on his way to Rangers.

Everton were also said to be interested but Mr Williams could not have made it clearer that Hendry is staying at Ewood.

The chief executive stressed: "After discussions with Jack Walker we want to make it clear that Colin is not for sale - at any price." Mr Williams pointed out that Rovers were in the process of building a squad capable of challenging for honours and were simply not interested in selling players like Hendry.

The story suggested that the defender, who still has three years left on his contract, would be ready to join Rangers despite the fact that he is soon to launch his testimonial year at Ewood.

But there has been no indication from Hendry that he wants to leave Rovers - quite the contrary in fact.

The arrival of Walter Smith from Rangers has no doubt prompted the speculation about Everton interest in him but, again, that is just what it is, speculation.

Mr Williams confirmed that they had not had any approaches about Hendry and re-iterated the club's stance.

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