TORE Pedersen is wanted by Norwegian club Brann Bergen but money could be a stumbling block to any potential deal.

And, if Pedersen is to be one of those who leave Ewood this summer, Blackburn Rovers boss Roy Hodgson would certainly be looking to replace the central defender in the squad - with Atalanta's Nicola Boselli believed to be fairly high on the wanted list.

Suggestions that there could be further contact between Ewood and the Dell over possible transfers - this time involving Southampton's Kevin Davies - cannot be discounted either.

Egil Ostenstad's name has always dominated speculation with another striker having been sought by Hodgson for some time.

But they might well fancy taking the younger Davies, who made a big impression on the Premiership last season, even more than his Norwegian partner. Whether Southampton would be prepared to let him go is another matter.

Rovers, meanwhile, are expected to sell Pedersen, one of several fringe players who failed to establish a regular first team place during last season, providing the price is right.

Brann, I believe, have already made an inquiry about him but Norwegian sources say that they are prepared to offer only around £100,000-200,000 for the international who has more than 40 full caps to his credit. As Rovers paid £500,000 to German club St Pauli for Pedersen only last September, they might well want most of their money back for the 28-year-old defender who is desperate for regular first team football.

He started only three Premiership games and three Coca-Cola Cup ties as Colin Hendry and Stephane Henchoz established a first-choice partnership.

Pedersen's only chance of regaining his international spot seems to be if he moves and claims a first-team place.

Prospects of that at Ewood are not particularly bright at the moment and would lessen even further if Rovers' interest in Boselli, expected to leave Atalanta this summer, is taken any further.

Hodgson should know plenty about the 25-year-old defender from the manager's time in Italy and the club have already confirmed that they are monitoring the player's situation.

It is unlikely that Steve Staunton would be the squad replacement if Pedersen goes.

The Republic of Ireland international will be on his way from Aston Villa at the beginning of June unless he agrees a new contract.

That is the deadline which has been set by Villa but it is looking increasingly likely that Staunton will cash in by moving on a free and signing a lucrative deal.

Given his age and the terms he is likely to demand, however, Rovers would probably not join a chase which is reported to have been led by Liverpool.

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