TEENAGE sensation Jim Corbett could be on his way to Blackburn from Second Division Gillingham in a £1m deal, write PETE OLIVER.

The 17-year-old winger is believed to have held talks with Rovers boss Roy Hodgson today to discuss a seven-year deal.

Corbett, who made eight full appearances and 10 as substitute for the Gills this season, has also held talks with Rovers' Premiership rivals Aston Villa.

But if Corbett decides on a move to Ewood he is expected to cost Rovers an up-front fee of £750,000 with two further installments of £150,000 linked to appearances.

Further payments could follow linked to a future England call-up for the Kent youngster whose first job at Priestfield Stadium was as a programme seller.

The former Gills' trainee, who marked his debut season with two goals, can operate on either flank and his pace and ability to go past defenders has also attracted the attention of Spurs and Newcastle United.

While Corbett could be on his way, Rovers today rejected reports that Celtic defender Alan Stubbs is part of Hodgson's summer spending plans.

Reports in the Scottish press today said Stubbs was a target as Hodgson bids to increase his defensive options.

Coach Wim Jansen's departure from Celtic Park has caused uncertainty over the future of a number of the Scottish champions' big names but Hodgson today dismissed the reports out of hand.

He said: "There is no truth in the story." The former Bolton defender was a target for ex-Rovers boss Ray Harford during his spell in charge at Ewood.

And he has also been linked with a return to the North West as a target of Everton boss Howard Kendall.

Stubbs was quoted: "I don't know what my future will be now that Wim Jansen has gone.

"Every player has his price and if someone is interested in me then I

could be sold.

"After all a new manager might not like my style of play. We are back with the same uncertainty we had last summer."

But Hodgson, who is looking to strengthen his squad with at least four summer signings, is sure to be looking for players with more of a proven pedigree than Stubbs.

The manager has been stepping up transfer activity ahead of the World Cup finals.

Hodgson was abroad at the weekend - although no deals appear imminent.

Rovers today also insisted that Jason Wilcox is not for sale.

Chief executive John Williams confirmed that Southampton had made a tentative enquiry about the Ewood winger last season.

He said: "We had a chat some time back. Nothing specific was mentioned, we just had a general conversation.

"The situation is the same now as it was then - he is not available to anybody." It appears that Saints boss David Jones will now set his sights on the continent in his search for a left-sided winger.

Rovers are unlikely to be be ready to sell any senior players. And Wilcox, in particular, has proved his worth in the squad system, switching between left wing-back and left midfield.

Rovers goalkeeper Tim Flowers will miss the start of the 1998-99 Premiership season.

Flowers has been issued with a two-match suspension after being sent off against Coventry while warming up as a substitute for comments made to the referees' assistant.

Rovers have confirmed another domestic pre-season friendly at Ipswich on Friday, July 31, kick-off 7.45pm.

The winner of the £500 top prize in Blackburn Rovers latest Double Your Money was: Number 182, G Knott of Blackburn.

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