ROVERS jetted off to Scandinavia this week with three new players on board. But manager Roy Hodgson hopes to return with some extra baggage - £2 million target Martin Dahlin.

The Swedish striker is yet to sign from Seria A side AC Roma, but Hodgson is hoping to land Dahlin during the pre-season tour, which starts against IFK Gothenburg this Saturday.

French defender Patrick Valery, Swiss midfield star Stephane Henchoz and Australian keeper John Filan from Coventry City all linked up with the Rovers squad this week as Hodgson put his players through their paces.

Rovers have completed the signing of Anders Andersson from Malmo for a straight £500,000 cash deal after the player-exchange deal with Niklas Gudmundsson fell through.

Hodgson said: "We are still in negotiation with Martin Dahlin and hopefully we can complete the signing at some stage during the tour. With Anders we have agreed a cash deal, but Niklas could still end up going to Malmo in a separate cash deal if he wants to."

Hodgson looked back on his first week in charge and has been happy with the rapid progress he has seen.

There could be soon be some players leaving Ewood with news that Matty Holmes and Paul Warhurst will be missing the tour to meet other clubs about possible moves.

Hodgson added: "Both players have discussions with other clubs coming up and they decided that going on a 10 day tour could effect their chances of finding new clubs."

Good news for Rovers fans is that Colin Hendry will also be travelling to Scandinavia after recovering from surgery although he will only do some light training and not compete in any of the three games.

TONY PARKES has picked up the Carling No 1 award for his outstanding contribution to the national game and his part in leading Rovers to safety last season. Former recipiants include Sir Stanley Matthews, Alan Shearer and Peter Shilton.

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