BLACKBURN have denied that First Division Birmingham City are poised to snap up full-back Jeff Kenna.

Sources in the West Midlands today claimed that St Andrews boss Trevor Francis is preparing a £1.5 million move for the Republic of Ireland defender.

Francis returned from a weekend scouting mission to France today where he watched an international defender in action.

But Rovers chairman Rob Coar said: "This speculation is news to me. We've not had any approach from any club for the player."

But Francis appears to have made Kenna his number one target.

A club source told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "Jeff Kenna would definitely fit the bill and his name was mentioned down here over the weekend.

"Trevor rates him as a very versatile player who would fit into Birmingham's system perfectly.

"In fact Trevor Francis is a great admirer of the player and if he was to become available then he would be leading the chase." Kenna has started the new Premiership campaign in the left-sided full back role following Graeme Le Saux's eve-of-season move to Premiership rivals Chelsea.

However, it appears unlikely that Rovers would do business unless Rovers chief Roy Hodgson is in a position to bring a fresh face in to replace the England man.

Kenna was one of the star performers in Wednesday's dazzling 4-0 win at Aston Villa which took Rovers to the summit of the Premiership.

And Kenna is due to play in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup clash against Lithuania at Landsdowne Park on Wednesday.

Hodgson is also reported to be tracking Everton's Andy Hinchcliffe and Steve Harkness of Liverpool, while Ian Pearce has been linked with a move to Premiership newcomers Crystal Palace. Rovers have also been linked with Turkish left-back Ercan Abdullah from Trabzonspor.

"There is nothing in those names either," added Coar.

Rovers have received an allocation of 2,000 tickets for the game at Crystal Palace on August 30. Prices are: adults £18 and junior-OAP £11. There will be no concessions available at Selhurst Park. Tickets go on sale from today.

Tickets for the home game with Leeds United on Sunday, September 14 will go on sale from Monday, August 25. This is a category B game and has a 4pm kick-off.

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