SOUTHAMPTON are weighing up a move for Rovers star Jason Wilcox.

The Saints are on the look-out for a left-sided player and Wilcox may fit the bill.

And sources on the south coast suggest Southampton are ready to pursue the 27-year-old England international this summer.

Wilcox endured a frustrating season for Rovers as he alternated between a wide midfield role and the left-back spot with Damien Duff laying claim to the wing berth. And the Bolton-born player, who has spent all his career at Ewood, also spent time on the sidelines through suspension thanks, to two red cards, and on the bench as he battled his way back. For the first time at Rovers Wilcox has faced a period of uncertainty which may encourage Saints boss David Jones in his efforts .

But despite the interrupted nature of his season he still received an England B call-up and turned in some telling performances.

And with Rovers not needing to sell to finance their own close season spending, and manager Roy Hodgson looking to add strength in depth to Blackburn's squad with a European campaign to come, Wilcox is still likely to be wanted at Ewood Park. Jones is looking for someone to link up with mid-season recruit John Beresford down the Saints' left flank as he aims to build on a 12th place finish in his first Premiership campaign.

The former Stockport boss has worked a minor revolution at the Dell since taking charge last summer. He has moved out 17 players and is looking to continue his rebuilding plans during the close season.

Striker Egil Ostenstad has attracted the interest of Rovers but it is believed that if Southampton do try and set up a deal for Wilcox it would not necessarily include the Norwegian front man.

One forward who Rovers have pursued is Coventry's Dion Dublin and his immediate future may be settled before the start of the World Cup next month.

Dublin is expected to be named in Glenn Hoddle's 22-man party for France 98 and Coventry are keen to sort out his future before he goes.

The versatile Dublin has stalled on signing a new contract which has alerted Liverpool and Blackburn who lodged a pre-transfer deadline bid.

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